Meet Flint, a German Shepherd Dog honored with the AKC Humane Fund ACE Award for Search & Rescue disaster response with Jennifer Michelson.
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Jennifer Michelson: Flint is my third Search and Rescue (SAR) partner. I got him at eight weeks old to be my second live find partner. I have always wanted to become a Search and Rescue K9 handler—probably watching Rin Tin Tin reruns. I started SAR in 2005 with my first partner, Griffin. I have been on two different SAR teams for over 15 years.
Jennifer Michelson: We are part of New Jersey Task Force 1 (NJ-TF1), our state’s USAR team. To become certified as a K9 handler, I needed to do many classes, including a Canine Search Specialist class. The testing process begins with a Fundamental Skills Assessment (FSA) with a series of eight tests we need to pass, including a Temperament Test, Obedience, Agility, and search work on rubble. Once we pass this test, we are allowed to attempt a Certifying Evaluation (CE). This test consists of two different rubble piles and up to six hidden subjects we need to find together. Once they find a hidden subject, a USAR dog needs to remain with the subject and bark until the handler arrives. Once we pass the CE, we are deployable. We need to re-certify every three years. It typically takes between 1.5 and three years for a new dog to be ready to certify as a disaster dog. Flint passed his first CE in 2018 and has re-certified in 2021 and 2024.
Jennifer Michelson: GSDs are one of the breeds common in urban Search and Rescue work. As a utility dog with a herding background, they have the attributes needed for SAR. They have the play/prey drive, hunt drive, and a desire to work with humans. Working line GSDs are bred for their structure, giving them the agility and endurance to do rubble work. GSDs have always been bred to work with people, and they enjoy finding and playing with people. Playing with their subjects is very important as it is the reward and motivation for them to search. SAR dogs need to be confident, independent, and persistent—GSDs have those traits and more!
Jennifer Michelson: In the 10 years I have worked with Flint, three searches stand out. His first “real” search was a partially collapsed building in Hackensack, New Jersey. This was the first time I was able to see how comfortable he was working in a true disaster scene. He worked strongly and showed me that he was brave and determined. In 2021, we deployed to the Surfside Condo collapse, and again, he showed me that he was willing and able to search on a very large, difficult rubble pile with many hazards surrounding him, including cranes, lots of workers, difficult footing, and harsh weather conditions. He was also patient and supportive of all the rescuers who were missing their homes, families, and their own dogs. He filled the role of “therapy dog” on this long, difficult mission. In 2024, we also deployed to Ashville, North Carolina, for Hurricane Helene. We arrived before the storm and were sent out for the initial searches and stayed for about two weeks. The devastation and mud were very memorable. This was a very different environment to work in, and again, Flint worked the large areas and difficult conditions confidently and also, again, became a “therapy dog” for teammates who needed a dog to confide in.
Jennifer Michelson: Flint has been an amazing partner. He is everything a correct GSD should be. I can take him anywhere with me. He is my demo dog for my group and private dog training lessons. He is a strong and confident dog who makes me feel safe. He is a joy to work with. I am confident that no matter the circumstances, I can trust that he will do his best to search for anyone missing. We serve our community by training weekly to be ready for, and willing to travel to, anywhere needing Search and Rescue dogs. We have deployed multiple times locally and nationally during our service together. I am very proud of Flint and very grateful to be his partner.
American Kennel Club (AKC)
