Search & Rescue Dogs

Val, the search-and-rescue dog, is taking it easy after nearly 12 years on the job.

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After nearly 12 years on the job, it's time to take it easy.
Val, an Urban Search and Rescue canine, is now officially enjoying his retirement. The golden retriever-Labrador mix has been on countless rescue missions, from Hurricane Katrina and the Metrolink train crash, to the mudslides in La Conchita and Laguna.
Now he just chills out with his handler of 10 years, Capt. Marc Valentine of the Montebello Fire Department. Val is one of about 225 dogs in the country that are FEMA trained for rescue operations.