Forrest is a black Labrador retriever that has found a great purpose in life. He didn’t get the best start, living alone and homeless in the streets. Fortunately for him, some good samaritans rescued him and took him to a shelter.
There, he was discovered by the Search Dog Foundation. This organization recruits rescues with potential and puts them in their training program.
When representatives from the group met Forrest, they saw that his character and demeanor made him a perfect candidate for the job. And although he was a big dog, he was very light on his feet. So they took him to their facility and immediately placed him in their program.
Training process
Forrest, who was three years old then, joined four other dogs in the extensive process. For several months, the dog worked hard to learn new skills. They were taught how to use their nose to do searches in various locations. They were also trained to walk and run on different surfaces.
As the days went by, their natural abilities got enhanced, and their confidence grew. It was also getting evident that Forrest was going to graduate at the top of his class. After a few months, their suspicions came true.
Top dog
After graduating from the training program, Forrest was deployed to the Salt Lake City, Utah Fire Department. He will live with his handler, a first responder named Tom Simons. Together, they do critical operations to save lives. They have gone on numerous missions and have been very successful.
Forrest has already received many commendations for his good work.
When they are not responding to an emergency, the two of them are constantly training, making sure that the dog’s skills and senses are kept sharp. But they also find time to relax and be a family. After all, Forrest is now part of their family.
Source: People.com