Former Shelter Dog Gets New “Leash” on Life

  • Posted By: Warren Abrahamson
  • November 7, 2022 @ 6:00 am
  • News
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River, a former James River Humane Society dog, received training at the South Dakota Canine Center to possibly become a search and rescue dog. Photo: South Dakota Canine Center

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Every dog has his day. For River, his day came quickly.

River was a dog brought to the James River Humane Society in October.

Jay Nitschke is a board member for the local non-profit, no-kill shelter.

While the reasons are unknown as to why River was left to the shelter, Nitschke says they’re excited for an opportunity after dog manager Kris Meidinger ran through some preliminary tests with River. It was then that his talents as a possible search and rescue dog were discovered.

River completes a search and rescue training task. Photo: South Dakota Canine Center

Nitschke says from there, Meidinger made contact with the South Dakota Canine Center (SDCC) in Sturgis, S.D. The center specializes in giving shelter animals boarding while also training them for possible K9 facilities.

“River is so amazing,” SDCC owner Kellee Matthews stated. “He has been so honest and driven. He has sailed through his evaluations and loves to ‘work’ more everyday.”

Matthews says they start with basic toy drive, move to tenacity and hunt drive and then on to footing challenges including field, rubble, a collapsed buildings, and more.

“He is undeterred and thinks all of his dreams will come true,” she added. “We are very hopeful he continues strong as he moves through this elite program. He is the best boy!”

It was by chance that River got his chance, thanks to some local ties to Jamestown.

“Jamestown is my husband Tim’s hometown. He went to visit his siblings a few weeks ago. We always stop on the shelter to check for candidates. [A] scout from the JRHS is a working FEMA USAR Canine-we recruited him a number of years ago when we were in town for a family reunion.”

River passed with flying colors, but his work isn’t done.

Matthews says they are are regional recruiters for them and have worked with them for over 20 years. We scout shelters in 10 different mid-west states looking for high drive shelter dogs to rescue and find working careers for them.

River celebrates passing his tests in South Dakota

“The program he has qualified for is with the Search Dog Foundation in California,” Matthews added. “We are regional recruiters for them and have worked with them for over 20 years. We scout shelters in 10 different mid-west states looking for high drive shelter dogs to rescue and find working careers for them.”

Matthews added not many make it as far as River has in the process.

“Few candidates make it this far. We test hundreds of dogs with potential and sometimes find ‘the one.’ He is special!”

River was flown out last week to California to face the next steps in becoming a search and rescue dog. If he succeeds, they will find an organization that can utilize his services.

Nitschke added they’re excited for this new lease on life for one of their own. She says this will be the fourth dog they’ve had come through the James River Humane Society that has gone through this process.

Even if things don’t work out for River, he’ll be brought back to the shelter and will then be waiting to make a family very happy in a forever home.

For more information on the James River Humane Society, visit jamesriverhumanesociety.org.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Jay Nitschke below:

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