Laci

Dog: Laci

Handler: Lori Walton

    Our story begins when my son Chad came home with a new puppy. Chad is currently a K9 Handler with his first dog, Kiara. When I seen Lexi I wanted on also. Chad was able to contact the same person and was able to obtain Laci for me. I was in love once again, since I already had a mini schnauzer (Harley), a rottweiler (Gabriele) at home. So we had two sisters added to out home.

    A few months later there was a brother to our sisters that needed a home. We then added Levi to our home. Chad asked if I wanted to go to the training sessions with him and learn about the dogs and how to train them properly.

    I began attending and watching, learning and trailed for others. My excitement continued to build when I saw what Search and Rescue Dogs were capable of. So that is what brought us here. Our journey begins.

   The Search and Rescue K9 Team is the place for us. As we began to work more with the dogs and the handlers I learned that it takes an exceptional dog to do this. I felt that I had exceptional dogs and wanted the opportunity to try. So Laci and I began our journey together. Learning to respect your dog, learning the drive of the dog as well as the limits and learning how the dog tells you things, by body movements and reactions. As each week passes we learn more and new ways of applying the techniques. The dog can learn anything you teach them. It is always love and respect for each other.  This has allowed Laci and me the opportunity to enjoy the challenges of training as well as serving our community

Laci and I have extended our family into the K9 Team and made lots of new friends as well.

    Laci is quiet, she is mild mannered, easy going, very loving and eager to please. She loves the training games that we play and she steadily improves. We have a lot to learn and a ways to go before we can certify, I am certain that we will make it together.

    Lori has been in banking for 15 years and left the field to care for her elderly grandfather. She works part time as a cashier, a bookkeeper for a transportation company. Most important to her is her family and her pets. There are a total of six dogs and two exotic birds in her home.

Lori and Laci are members of Service Dogs of America.

Lori serves as secretary to the local chapter of Central Illinois Service Dogs of America.