Image Credit: Anthony Corea / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

FIELD TRIP

SRD K9s of BC gives Kamloops Christian School students a glimpse into search dog training

Jan 31, 2025 | 5:27 PM

KAMLOOPS — Friday (Jan. 31) was a different kind of job shadow for local students, as the headquarters of the Search, Recovery and Detection (SRD) K9s of BC served as the classroom for third graders from Kamloops Christian School (KCS).

“I just love that they get to see dogs that are learning and being trained in a job. And I love that the kids get to see how well the dogs are and how excited they are to be here,” says KCS teacher Carolyn Cotito. “I think that’s really fun for them to see how excited the dogs are, and of course this is an incredible community service.”

The non-profit spends hundreds of hours every year combing the area for people who are missing. The group has been working out of a space donated by the Cooper Family Foundation for the next ten years. Since moving in, SRD K9s has welcomed hundreds of school groups, and the hands-on experience gives students an opportunity to learn how dogs are able to help in searches.

“That’s the big part of it. And these dogs are our pets, and you can see that they just enjoy the work,” explains Mike Ritcey, the president of SRD K9s of BC. “Some of the dogs are getting on. Ranger is eight years old and you’d figure he was just a pup with the way he runs and does his job. He still looks forward to that every day.”

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Education is the goal and according to Friday’s audience, the uniformed dogs finding scented items and training was a memorable sight.

“What was your favourite part about today?” CFJC asked student Anne Wiebe.

“When Miranda was found. It was so fun watching,” she replied.

“I didn’t know that dogs could have a job,” added Lana Heijster.

“The dogs running around and getting the balls,” Lincoln Smith said of his favourite part of the day, “and just watching them have fun.”

Laurisa Balloch thought watching the canine’s excitement was the highlight. “I know exactly what my favourite part is. I liked how Ranger was like, crazy!”

And the dog trading cards given out to students at the end of the session was the bright spot for student Wade Ginn.

“I’m going to keep these. These look really cool and I’m so excited to tell my dad and my mum about everything and the school stuff that happens here, and it was really cool,” he says.