Inspiration

Here we are, me, Koda, and two of our SAR team members headed to Colorado. We are going to work with some of the best search dogs and handlers in the country. Koda is relaxing in the seat next to me, watching the miles tick by, probably wondering when we get to go play. He knows, I packed up the search pack, his vest, his toy, my boots. But to him, what does it mean? He works hard for a ball, to get praise and play after he follows someone he doesn't know by anything other than smell. Usually in the dark, snow, rain, or heat. And he does it with a purpose, never complaining, never asking why, and always putting his heart and soul, and nose, into every trail. As a search dog, Koda gets spoiled more than what one would call normal, but he deserves it. He trains hundreds of hours a year and is always ready to go. He does dozens of public appearances, letting kids pull on his tail and ears and never flinching. My pup is my inspiration, the reason I train hard at the gym, study hard to learn search behavior and management, get out of bed at two am in a blizzard to go find someone. When I don't think I can do something, I think of a dog, because they don't know they can't do it, they keep going because it is what they know. A dog who does what he loves to do, and helps others not questioning his ability or the reasons why. What a novel concept, and an amazing creature. If more people were like dogs, sure, we would have an overabundance of hair, but we would also have unconditional love.