K9 Spotlight: Christina Thomas & Chelsea

Christina Thomas & Chelsea 
SAR Dog Trainer/Handler, EMT

I started SAR work back in 2017 with my first K9, a German Shepherd. We learned everything together, and I was so happy when I discovered Ray Allen products because of their quality and dependability. My first K9 was very obedient and loyal and didn't require more than the most basic gear. However, she recently passed away, and I'm continuing the work with my second SAR dog, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois.

She has always had such a high drive to work that I started her on tracking at only 3 months old, quite successfully. She is such a different dog and has required much more guidance. I have added several more training tools to my kit specifically for her that I never expected to need, including the ET-400 e-collar and a prong collar to help her learn to control her prey drive and channel her high energy in the right direction. She has continued to use the Icon Air Harness passed down from my previous SAR K9 and a variety of other equipment.

She has such an unquenchable enthusiasm and drive, which makes her an excellent tracking dog, as well as having an absolute love for people. We certainly have our training challenges to work through, but she is already well on her way to making a positive difference in people's lives. I love working in search and rescue because of the great variety and challenges that are always presented to be overcome, as well as the opportunities to help people and be a light for my King Jesus in these dark times! There can surely be high levels of pride involved in rescue operations, but for me, I always want to make sure that I am humble because it is only due to God's grace that I can be used for His purpose and have the abilities that I do.

I greatly appreciate Ray Allen for their commitment to quality in their products as well as their great customer service, and hope to make some new additions to our search kit soon!

Their Gear: I have many favorites since everything has been working so well, but I have to say my favorite RAM product has been the Icon Air Harness. I would buy it again if needed but am happy to say that it's such good quality that it's still going strong on its 7th year. I will be adding the Swiss Seat again though to go with it because it was lost (likely in the middle of nowhere on a search). I had it attached on the harness with its Velcro attachment. Next time I'll keep it in my pack.

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