February 28, 2009
Mac with some of his fellow rescue workers
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On Feb. 21, Capone, now called Mac by his handlers at the Phoenix Fire Department Search and Rescue Team, aced the high-pressure FEMA Canine Certification Evaluation to become a fully qualified rescue dog.
"You saved a very special animal," John Dean of Arizona Search Dogs told the Arizona Humane Society. "I have never seen another dog that fits our idea of a perfect search dog like the animal you gave to us. We are grateful for the Behavior Department noticing his potential and Second Chance’s patience in finding a unique outlet for this dog."
Fourteen months ago, when AHS staffers contacted Arizona Search Dogs about the dog then called Capone, Mac’s future wasn't as bright, even with his obvious intellect and potential. But there was something special about Mac that engaged those around him to bring him back to health.
"The foreman at the rubble site used for the FEMA test allowed us to build a rehab kennel that provided him with a safe and isolated home while he recuperated from his health problems," Dean said. "We all took turns staying with him, sometimes spending the night. We administered meds to him a minimum of three times a day. Our vets made house calls during his quarantine and even the workers at the site planned their lunch breaks so they could sit with him."
Mac even battled severe allergies that shampoo and diet couldn’t overcome. With the help of an allergy specialist, the problems disappeared within four months.
On Feb. 21, Mac repaid the debt as he and his handler, Jeaneen McKinney, underwent the grueling certification test process. For Mac, the first part of the test involved off-lead heeling, climbing ladders and teeter-totters, emergency stops, direction and control, 5-minute stay downs, tunnels, wobbly surfaces and aggression testing.
"He did very well and enjoyed every minute of the process," Dean said. "Many dogs feel the pressure when their handlers become stressed with testing. Mac is all about having fun and works well in any environment."
Then came the second, even more difficult test phase involving two rubble piles with four to six victims. Neither the dog nor the handler knew beforehand exactly how many victims are buried in either pile.
In addition to real-life scenarios, potential distractions of food and clothing also are placed in the rubble and any false alert results in failure.
But failing isn’t part of Mac's life.
"He was amazing," Dean said. "He aced the test and is such a happy dog. Your boy has a home, a family, friends, lots of love and a job."
"He is going to save lives."
About Arizona Humane Society
Founded in 1957, the Arizona Humane Society is the state’s largest nonprofit animal welfare and protection agency. The mission of AHS is to improve the lives of animals, alleviate their suffering, and elevate their status in society.
Contacts
Ashleigh Goebel, Public Information Officer, Arizona Humane Society
(602) 997-7586, ext. 1020; cell: (602) 359-7997
Steve Carr, The Kur Carr Group, Inc., (602) 317-3040 (cell)
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