ous. Chile — Sheri’s former bloodhound who’s since died of natural causes — trailed the scent for an hour wandering to and fro, much like a young child would. Men and women on all-terrain vehicles set out in the direction that Chile led them and eventually found the child a quarter of a mile up the mountain. He was safe and uninjured, a fact that might not have been true if he’d endured the elements overnight. “It’s not about being a hero or receiving recognition,” Sheri said, her husband nodding in agreement at the statement. “I don’t even care if it’s my dog that finds a missing person. Just being part of the group that saves a person’s life is incredible.”
‘Mission response ready’
Each and every mission is conducted in an orderly fashion. Handlers are trained in CPR and registered with the Washington State Department of Emergency Management. They set out in hiking boots with orange shirts, cargo vests containing identification, whistles, a radio with GPS, maps, water and other critical supplies. The dogs are harnessed in leather with strong nylon
leashes and chain collars. Each canine must complete a minimum of 60 scent trails and then pass three field tests to be certified. Together, the teams search for lost or missing people. They don’t get paid or rewarded. It’s all by volunteering. The unit goal is to have handlers and their dogs “mission response ready” in 12-18 months. This means obtaining Washington Administrative Code and unit requirements, attending classes and field training sessions, and completing regularly scheduled unit trainings. Twice monthly K-9 training sessions are offered, and highly recommended, to help socialize and train bloodhounds. As the Whetstines approach “mission response ready” status with Ruckus and Tule, they express an interest in getting involved with the Clallam County Search & Rescue branch. “A lot of people and organizations don’t know what we do or how it’s done,” Tim said. “If they did, I guarantee they would call us more often.”
Search and rescue
Northwest Bloodhounds Search & Rescue handlers are registered with the Washington State Department of Emergency Management and are ready to search for lost or missing persons as unpaid volunteers. Members come from all walks of life and are located throughout the state. For more information, call 360-620-4068 or go online to www.nwbloodhounds.org.
Sheri Whetstine praises Ruckus, a 19-month-old bloodhound in training, for successfully finding her glove in a grassy field.
EXPERIENCE
30 combined years of dental excellence
Val & Larry Take a stroll back in time and enjoy a home-cooked BREAKFAST, LUNCH or DINNER At the Old Mill Open For Dinner Wednesday through Sunday
721 Carlsborg Rd., Carlsborg, • WA Phone: 360-582-1583 Tues. 8am - 3pm • Wed. thru Sun. 8am - 8pm • Closed Mondays
INTEGRITY
2nd opinions always complimentary
Cocktails Beer Wine
COMPASSION
After all, family is our middle name
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Back Row: Dr. Nathan Gelder, Dr. Brian Juel, Jes, Heidi Front Row: Krystal, Nichole, Pam, Amy
321 N. Sequim Ave., Suite B Sequim, WA 98382
681-TUTH (8884)
www.sequimfamilydentistry.com
MeetCharla Wright Life Enrichment Director
Charla Wright, Life Enrichment Director, brings to Avamere a Master’s in Education and two decades of experience designing programs addressing goals in the areas of cognition, physical, social and emotional domains. The Activities Program reflects Charla’s years of experience in designing and implementing life enriching curriculum.
~ Your Life. Our Commitment ~
Olympic Rehabilitation of Sequim
1000 S. 5th Ave. • Sequim • 360-582-3900 • Fax 360-582-3903
www.avamereolympicrehabofsequim.com
LIVING ON THE PENINSULA | SUMMER | JUNE 2012
• Sewing machines • Sewing Tables • Quilters’ Fabrics • Scissors, Notions • Embroidery • Gift Certificates Designs Repairs • Parts • New & Used • All Makes 609 W. Washington #12 • 681-0820 • sequimsew@yahoo.com www.sequimsewingcenter.com 17