A Labrador Retriever’s Journey from Shelter to Hero
A once-weak Labrador retriever puppy at a shelter in Mississippi has transformed into a heroic search-and-rescue dog after finding a home with his handler.
Christy Bormann, a search-and-rescue dog handler from Texas, stumbled upon photos of the puppy online after he was rescued as a stray. She felt an immediate connection with him, as reported by The Washington Post.
Bormann expressed her instinctive bond, stating, “I just knew that he was going to be the next partner for me.” She chose the name Canyon for the dog, inspired by his affinity for digging holes.
During their time together, Bormann noticed Canyon’s enthusiasm for playing fetch. The puppy would eagerly pick up anything he could find and present it to her and the shelter staff. Over the next two years, Bormann worked diligently with Canyon, helping him gain strength and refine his fetching skills into something suitable for his future role.
Bormann was confident that Canyon’s energy and keen sense of smell would be valuable for working at natural disaster sites and for locating missing individuals.
In the past few years, Canyon has participated in numerous search-and-rescue missions. He played a crucial role during the devastating Texas floods in 2025, which tragically took over 100 lives, including children at Camp Mystic. He also contributed to rescue efforts during Hurricane Helene in 2024 and the wildfires in Maui in 2023.
Bormann noted Canyon’s focus, saying, “He could run through an entire room full of his favorite peanut butter cups, would not even look at them, and is only looking for that target scent.”
After each mission, Bormann rewards the 7-year-old dog with a squeaky bunny toy for a game of fetch, keeping the experience enjoyable for him.
While the nature of their work can be heartbreaking, it’s vital for providing closure to families in mourning. Canyon is especially tasked with locating individuals who have lost their lives in natural disasters.
On Thursday, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recognized Canyon as the dog of the year, partly due to his contributions during the Texas floods.
Bormann mentioned that she typically retires her dogs around age 9 when they start to slow down. During their active service period, she ensures they maintain discipline, following her commands and sleeping in separate areas. However, they are granted more freedom once they retire.
“When he’s retired, he will get to sleep in bed full-time,” Bormann added, hinting at the special bond they share.
