Distinctly Montana Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.distinctlymontana.com/i/1027685
D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • FA L L 2 0 1 8 82 He is both. In the winter, this dog has an important role as an ava- lanche patrol dog at the Yellowstone Club, and his training doesn't stop during the "off season." e difference between Wylie and a non- working pet is immediately notable. He is incredibly attentive and responsive—almost fixated on Fleming, his teammate since Wylie was a nine-week-old puppy. Sure, he looks like a pet, but there's something else there. Fleming has been working as a ski patroller for nine seasons, and has had Wylie for four. After spending several years patrolling on his own and becoming well-versed in the world of avalanche rescue, Fleming said he was looking to take his skills to another level. With that in mind, Fleming found Wylie from hunting dog breeder in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Dogs bred for hunting display many of the characteristics desirable in a SAR dog. Both types of working dogs have a strong prey drive, fierce loyalty, and a need to work. Some of the most com- mon SAR dog breeds include labrador and golden retriev- ers, German shepherds, Belgian ma- linois, border collies, and bloodhounds. Founders of True North Search Dogs, Sam and Larry Heigh of Hel- ena, fell into the field in a similar fashion. Longtime community volunteers, they were looking for more ways to become involved. When they decided to get a new dog, they chose one who would do more than just be a pet, and decided to start training in canine search and rescue. In late 2002, they joined their local SAR group. Since then, they have trained multiple SAR dogs, founding the nonprofit True North Search Dogs in 2009. Heigh is currently working with two dogs: Tikaani is a full- fledged SAR dog, and Storm is nine months old and still in training. All dogs in the group—with members in Montana, Wyoming, and Utah—are trained and certified in multiple disciplines, such as land and water cadaver, trailing, wilderness air scent, evidence, and more. Steph Boyd gets Yellowstone Club patrol dogs Wylie and Kaya ready for action. ISAAC FLEMING Western Montana Search Dog members pose for a shot. From left to right: Russ Lubner with Ringo and Jake, Bon- nie Whitman with Sabre and Gator, Ladean McKittrick with Trig, Leslie McKittrick with Telly and Trace, and Colette Daigle-Berg with Chapter. BONNIE WHITMAN