Dogs train for search and rescue in Beulah

It’s a team that has brought a woman and her dog closer together.

Sabine Johnson and her 6-year-old German shepherd, Annie, have been part of the Search and Rescue Dogs of Colorado (SARDOC) for three years.

“I’ve always had a dream to go beyond the pet-dog relationship,” she said.

She said she and her dog share a common bond to find people when they are lost.

“Search and rescue seemed given, especially where we live. (It’s) a good match for me because I love the wilderness and helping people,” Johnson said.

But being on the team comes with a price.

“We do train a lot, we put a lot of miles on our vehicles, a lot of travel time and cost is involved,” Johnson said.

SARDOC members trained Sunday at Pueblo Mountain Park in Beulah. The search and rescue team members of SARDOC meet four times a year.

An organizer of the training said the group picked the park because there are many places where someone could get lost.

SARDOC teams did search and rescue exercises in the forest. For Johnson and Annie it’s good practice for the real thing. Johnson said it’s training that is worth all the sacrifice.

“She has a smile on her face. I can see it when she comes toward me that yes I made the find, you can see it in her body language” she said.

SARDOC officials said members are also part of search and rescue teams in several Colorado counties.