Former stray joins Santa Barbara County Fire Department as search dog

A Belgian Malinois named Waffles is now a search dog for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Waffles was found wandering the streets of Ventura before he was taken to the Ventura County Animal Services in Camarillo. Though he was adopted twice, Waffles was returned both times because he was “too much to handle”.

A Search Dog Foundation volunteer noticed his energy at the shelter. Soon, Waffles was running across the rubble.

“Originally his energy and drive was unfocused and therefore he showed a lot of frustration – something we like to see a little of, but Waffles had more than his fair share,” remembers SDF Trainer Emily Hodges. “With some extra effort toward keeping his mind busy, even with some fun and silly tricks, Waffles has learned how to channel his energy and stay calm and focused but don’t be fooled, when it comes to searching, Waffles is a powerhouse!”

Waffles was partnered with Santa Barbara County Fire Captain Eric Gray. The Fire Department Captain retired his search dog Riley earlier this year.

The pair will work together to help the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The other search dogs that just graduated from the Search Dog Foundation will work in Los Angeles County, Nebraska and Oakland.

KEYT 2019