Theresa was an active Search and Rescue K9 handler before she and her husband Dave became members of BSARD in December 2009.
She served two consecutive terms on the BSARD Board of Directors from 2014 through 2016 and from 2017 through 2020 (four years instead of the normal three because no elections were held in 2020 due to COVID).
In addition to her work with BSARD, Theresa also served as Treasurer for the Ohio Federation of K9 Search and Rescue Teams for several years. In 2011 she was awarded a Civilian Commendation from the Miami County (OH) Sheriff’s Office for her work in supporting Law Enforcement.
Theresa and her K9 partners Eika and Mya were certified for Mantrailing, Wilderness Area Search, Human Remains Detection on Land, Human Remains Detection in Water, and Article search.
Theresa retired from K9 handling in May 2021, but she and Dave maintained their membership in the team and would often show up at team events until she passed away in July 2025. Through her tenure with BSARD she participated in 130 search operations.
K9 Mya, Active from 2011 to 2021
Mya was a female German Shepherd Dog, born in May 2011.
She and Theresa worked from August 2011, and were certified in Mantrailing, Human Remains Detection on Land, Human Remains Detection in Water, and Article search. When Mya retired from active SAR in May 2021, they had partnered to participate in 78 search operations over Mya’s 9-1/2 years with BSARD.
K9 Eika, Active from 2009 to 2018
Eika was a female German Shepherd Dog, born in June 2006, and came with Theresa when she joined BSARD in December 2009.
She was certified for Mantrailing, Wilderness Area Search, Human Remains Detection on Land, Human Remains Detection in Water, and Article search.
Eika was with BSARD for 9 years until she retired in November 2018. During her tenure she had participated in 113 search operations.
