A Vigilant Vision

“Vision” is a K-9 Australian Shepherd trained in human remains detection on land or water. In 2005, when she was a puppy, she was donated to Jen Morgan, K-9 handler and President of the SW Panhandle Search and Rescue Team. As a norm, it takes approximately 2-3 years for a K-9 to become certified in a chosen field. However, Vision was nationally certified at the age of 11 months and went on to become a human remains detection dog with 14 recoveries to her credit so far. Her specialty is working off of boats, recovering drowning victims. In 2009 the American Kennel Club presented a commendation to her for her ability and expertise in water rescues and recoveries. The Sheriff's Office donated a boat for the recovery team to use due recovery operations. Her capability to do what she loved best was amazing. She seemed to have a very bright future ahead of her. But sadly, in July 2010, her owner was diagnosed with breast cancer and immediately started Chemo treatments. Vision was by her side the entire time, giving Jen hope that one day they would be out working as a team again. Because of Vision’s unconditional love, Jen was able to get up twice a week between treatments and train with her. Jen credits her will to fight this dread disease to the encouragement of her beloved dog, Vision and is now on the road to recovery. On Dec 11, 2010, the pair went on their first search together in over five months, for a missing 5 yr. old in Citronelle, AL. Thirty three handlers and their K-9 companions succeeded in locating the child’s remains. At the end of the search, Vision was being petted by another teammate who noticed lumps all over her stomach. After tests, she was diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer at only five years of age. The tests gave all indication that she would be a good candidate for Chemo treatments. After completing her Chemo treatments, the vet believes that there is no reason why she can’t once again return to her duties. Since Vision has given so much to her community and has an excellent chance of recovery, it was an easy decision to start treatment on her right away. The veterinarian told Jen that she has seen a correlation between humans who contract cancer and their K-9 companions contracting the same disease. UPDATE: Sadly Vision passed away however, please remember the fine work performed by the other K-9s and their handlers. Her handler Jen is on the road to recovery without her able companion by her side. The SW Panhandle Search and Rescue is a non-profit organization whose K-9s work the Gulf Coast area in both Florida and Alabama. To learn more about this team go to www.swpansar.org. For photos of Vision please click here.