For Lauri Johnson and her German Shepherd, Selah, the call to duty was more than just a job—it was a way of life, forged over a decade of dedication and countless hours spent in the wild.
Now, after years of tireless service, this remarkable search and rescue team is officially hanging up their orange vests and beginning a well-deserved retirement.
Selah, a 10-year-old German Shepherd with a legendary “twinkle in her eye,” has been Johnson’s partner since she was a puppy.
Together, they have worked in some of the most challenging conditions, tracking missing persons, and locating human remains on both land and water.
While every successful mission was a victory, one particular find will forever stand out in Johnson’s memory.
It was when Selah, with her sharp nose and unwavering focus, located an elderly Alzheimer’s patient who had wandered away.
The man’s words to Johnson, as he reminisced about his childhood dog, touched her deeply, especially given her own father’s battle with the disease.
The world of search and rescue is not for the faint of heart. Johnson, who has dedicated 25 years to this calling, knows it’s a commitment that becomes your entire life.
It means intensive training sessions, seminars, and a rigorous schedule to ensure the dogs remain ready for deployment at a moment’s notice.
Johnson and Selah, most recently with the Lawrence County K-9 Search and Rescue team, would spend countless hours honing their skills, often putting in more than the required 16 hours a week.
It’s a demanding lifestyle, and Johnson believes you have to truly love the work to make it your own.
Now, at 61, and with Selah showing signs of slowing down, Johnson decided it was time to close this chapter together.
The physical demands of the job, from loading heavy gear to navigating tough terrain, are no longer as easy as they once were. It’s a joint retirement for a joint effort.
Throughout her career, Johnson has trained three search dogs, all German Shepherds.
Sheba and Kaila came before Selah, and all three dogs had successful “hits”—a rare accomplishment in the search and rescue community.
While her other dogs were wonderful partners, Johnson admits that working with Selah has been the best experience of all.
Selah’s incredible gusto and love for the work were infectious. Even as she aged, she maintained an eagerness to get to work, always ready to go at a moment’s notice.
The Johnson household will be a little less active now, as Lauri’s husband, George, is also retiring from his role as the group’s dispatcher and search manager.
While the couple leaves a void in the team, the remaining five dedicated members and their canines will carry on the important work.
While Selah may no longer wear her orange vest on official duties, her retirement is anything but idle.
She still has that same spark, playing with Johnson’s grandchildren and always ready for a game of fetch.
It’s a fitting end for a partnership built on love, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to finding those who are lost.
