On July 2, 2011  a group of dog handlers and search managers gathered at Beardslee Training Site for SAR K9 training, and to discuss the advisability of re-constituting the former Scott County Sheeriff's K9 Tactical Search Team into a more civilian-oriented search and rescue organization with the stated mission of providing a team trained and equipped to find missing persons through the use of K9 assets, ground support personnel and a professional search management package.

It was determined that there was sufficient interest to warrant continued development of the project.

The next training session and meeting is scheduled for 18:00, July 9, 2011 at the Beardslee Training Site.

As a follow up to the July 2 meeting, we had a training session July 9. It was requested that a three-hour old trail be layed, containing several turns, in rough terrain.

Between July 2 and July 9, I received emails from three of the attendees at the July 2 meeting that they did not feel that our group was right for them, and would not be returning. I would like to thank these individuals for their honesty and for letting me know how they felt.

During that same period, I was contacted by several individuals who expressed continued interest, but who have a limited ability to participate on a regular basis, but who non the less offered their assistance. For these individuals I am also thankful, and we will be calling on you.

The net result for the organizational, is we have about as many interested as we did, but we have attracted no new handlers with operational dogs.

Lady remains operational for short trails (subject to her medical condition), and I will be getting another dog to train for the long haul.

On July 9, at 15:12, I laid a marked instructional trail of about 117 yards, containing three, right angle T-intersection turns:

The training session began about 18:00, with Carol, Jayn (and Trooper) and Victor in attendance. Rick joined us later.

I took Trooper's reward, and went in the back way (through the Enchanted Forest) to the hide site, and communicated by radio that we were ready.

At about 18:40, Jayn put Trooper on scent, flanked by Carol and Victor, and according to Carol, he trailed with nose to ground from the beginning, he hit every turn without hesitation, and found me behind mesh camo netting in heavy foliage, taking his nose off the ground only to part the netting and see who was there.

Trooper immediately indicated by sitting quietly in front of me, and received his reward and much praise for all involved.

Back at the base camp, we discussed our situation, and agreed we were involved in worthwhile project and that we would continue. We did not immediately set another training date.