Franklin, my yellow Labrador Retriever and love of my life, answered the proverbial question, “Who Rescued Who,” on Day 1 when I brought him home. I was far from being a knowledgeable dog person, but I had had dogs as pets. I had been longing for a dog when I happened upon Franklin’s breeder. At 15 weeks old, Franklin was AKC registered with a reasonable pedigree, and an extra helping of the Labrador personality. I knew enough that I was going to need training if I was to have the kind of dog who could accompany me any and everywhere I would go. I had been a firefighter and thought that becoming a Search and Rescue team would fill the needs of a working dog and provide Franklin and I with some adventure. I was recommended to Ann for snake avoidance training. Immensely pleased with her expertise in training and advocacy for dogs, we began our obedience training almost immediately.
Ann had an interesting assignment in training me to be a trainer. I was not the best student, at first, often blowing off homework. Fortunately, Franklin was brilliant and covered for me. Ann quickly caught on and read me the riot act. From then on I stayed on task. We completed the basic and advanced obedience classes, and attended Ann’s special Saturday master classes. Now, I was becoming a knowledgeable dog person 😊.
Franklin’s empathetic eyes, gentle behavior and social skills made his certification as a Therapy Dog (scoring 100% to qualify for complex environments like special needs children) and passing the AKC K9 Good Citizen qualifications a cinch. Franklin's behavior and mastery of obedience training allowed him to perform as my Service Dog. He brought out smiles wherever he went. In addition, we became volunteers and representatives of The Fetch Foundation and associated Fire Departments participating in demonstrations and PSA's for the Fido Bag program (specific rescue equipment for pets for 1st responders).
Franklin and I joined the Yavapai County Sheriff's Posse Search Dog Unit where we were a part of the K9 search team for almost 8 years until our retirement. The gentle Franklin became a wildman when we went on twice weekly training or actual missions. Franklin was certified in both air scenting for live find and cadaver search and recovery. Franklin's skills were well known in the SAR community in Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico. He enjoyed his "work" immensely and we had many great adventures throughout the Southwest.
Franklin was special to all our dog friends at Animal Actors. He was an example to be emulated and often complimented on the dog walks. He made me a proud Dog Dad. ❤️🐾❤️🐾
