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S E A R C H D O G F O U N D A T I O N 

Gift Namings 

at the 

National Training Center 

June 2012

S E A R C H D O G F O U N D A T I O N 

National training center

Building A Home 

For ALL OF America’s Search Teams 

The time has come to build a permanent home for our Canine-Firefighter teams who risk their lives to save others. 

Located in Santa Paula, CA (90 minutes north of Los Angeles), the National Training Center (NTC) will be the only 

facility of its kind in the nation—a place where rescued dogs become rescuers, and where first responders from 

across the country receive advanced training in disaster-simulation sites found nowhere else in the U.S. 

The Center will give all of America’s Search Teams a chance to attain the skills needed to respond 

to the most demanding disaster scenarios. 

You can make your mark at the National Training Center, and help bring a critical resource to the country, 

by choosing one of the many Gift Namings included in this booklet. All Namings will be held in perpetuity, 

and pledges can be made over a one- to five-year period. The Namings will be unveiled 

during a special ceremony when we officially open the Center. 

This is a “must do” project that calls upon the “can do” spirit of America, mobilizing the resources, 

talents and energy of the private and nonprofit sectors to bring a life-saving gift to the nation. 

Please join us in giving the nation a resource that it needs and deserves. 

For information about reserving a Gift Naming, please contact Wilma Melville, SDF Founder 

(805) 746-1273 or Wilma@SearchDogFoundation.org 

Founded in 1996, the mission of the Search Dog Foundation is to strengthen emergency response in America 

by teaming rescued dogs with firefighters to find people buried in the wreckage of disasters. 

1

gift naming opportunities 

by Giving Level 

The Namings below in red have been reserved 

$1 million and above 

$150,000 

$5 million The National Training Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

$2.5 million Canine Pavilion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

$1.5 million Canine Training Grounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

$1.5 million Disaster Training Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

$1 million Clean Water Delivery System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

$1 million Frank McGrath, Jr. Family Welcome Center .................10 

$1 million Bechtel Handlers Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

$1 million The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation Development Den . . . . . . . . . 12 

$1 million Disaster Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

$1 million Old Creek Preserve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

$750,000 

$750,000 Memorial Park - Reserved by the Bert W. Martin Foundation . . . 15 

$500,000 

$500,000 Frank McGrath, Jr. Family Canine Memorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

$500,000 Guardian Glade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

$500,000 Newman’s Own Foundation Search Team Showgrounds. . . . . . . 18 

$250,000 

$250,000 Ranch Rim Trail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

$250,000 Memorial Arbor - Reserved by the Scaife Family Foundation. . . . 20 

$250,000 The Mars, Inc./Nutro Company “Room to Run” . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

$250,000 The BEB Canine Medical Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

$250,000 Williams-Corbett Foundation Canine Housing Suite . . . . . . . . . . 22 

$250,000 James and Jeannie Dodson Canine Housing Suite . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

$250,000 Thelma B. and Thomas P. Hart Foundation 

Board Conference Room. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

$250,000 Pat Byrne Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

$250,000 Solar Spectrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

$200,000 

$200,000 Hilltop Vistas North (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

$200,000 Hilltop Vistas South (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

$200,000 Nika Search & Rescue Training Ravine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

$200,000 Cassi Search & Rescue Training Ravine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

$200,000 Oakley Search & Rescue Training Ravine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

$200,000 Search & Rescue Training Ravines (2 remaining) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

$200,000 Dakota’s Old Creek Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

$200,000 Old Creek Bridge (1 remaining) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

$150,000 Barn Gathering Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

$150,000 Rachael’s Rescue Heroes Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

$150,000 Neighborhood Search Prop .............................30 

$150,000 Three-Sided Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

$150,000 Collapsed Freeway Prop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

$150,000 Carlee’s Train Wreck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

$150,000 Maggie’s Rubble Pile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

$100,000 

$100,000 Frank McGrath, Jr. Family Executive Director’s Office . . . . . . . . . 32 

$100,000 The DeMartini Covered Canine Training Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

$100,000 Crystal Canine Socialization Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

$100,000 Showgrounds Overlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

$100,000 Caretaker’s Quarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

$100,000 Ludwick Family Foundation Campus Drive (Tier 1) . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

$100,000 NTC Campus Drives (3 Tiers remaining) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

$75,000 

$75,000 Boone’s Old Cabin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

$75,000 The Margaret Levy Guardian Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

$75,000 The Arthur and Stella Pepper Canine Agility Yard . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

$75,000 Direction Control Yard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

$75,000 William H. Hannon Foundation Welcome Center 

Reception Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

$75,000 Training Zone Service Annex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

$75,000 Maintenance Hub. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

$50,000 

“We have not forgotten ” 

$50,000 Alert Tube Training Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

$50,000 Murphy’s Rubble Pile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

$50,000 Timber’s Wood Pile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

$50,000 Jessie’s Mudslide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

$50,000 The Ethel Frends Foundation 

Canine Training Grounds Viewing Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

$50,000 Canine Training Grounds Viewing Area - Reserved by 

the Volentine Family Foundation .........................42 

$50,000 Canine Training Grounds Viewing Area (1 remaining) .........42 

$50,000 Disaster Training Zone Viewing Areas (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

$50,000 Frog Crossing Bark Alert Yard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 

$50,000 The Hogan Family Foundation Grassy Obedience Yard . . . . . . . . 44 

$50,000 Jack and Carolyn Ferguson Handlers Porch .................45 

$50,000 Visitors Parking Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

2

gift naming opportunities 

by Location 

The Namings below in red have been reserved 

Facility Naming 

$5 million The National Training Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

HANDLERS LODGE 

$1 million Bechtel Handlers Lodge .............................11 

$50,000 Jack and Carolyn Ferguson Handlers Porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

CANINE PAVILION 

$2.5 million Canine Pavilion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

$250,000 The BEB Canine Medical Clinic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

$250,000 Williams-Corbett Foundation Canine Housing Suite ........22 

$250,000 James and Jeannie Dodson Canine Housing Suite ..........22 

CANINE TRAINING GROUNDS 

$1.5 million Canine Training Grounds ..............................7 

$250,000 The Mars, Inc./Nutro Company “Room to Run”. . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

$100,000 The DeMartini Covered Canine Training Field ..............33 

$100,000 Crystal Canine Socialization Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

$75,000 The Arthur and Stella Pepper Canine Agility Yard. . . . . . . . . . . 37 

$75,000 Direction Control Yard ...............................37 

$50,000 The Ethel Frends Foundation 

Canine Training Grounds Viewing Area ..................42 

$50,000 Canine Training Grounds Viewing Area - Reserved by 

the Volentine Family Foundation .......................42 

$50,000 Canine Training Grounds Viewing Area (1 remaining) .......42 

$50,000 Frog Crossing Bark Alert Yard ..........................44 

$50,000 The Hogan Family Foundation Grassy Obedience Yard. . . . . . . 44 

DISASTER TRAINING ZONE 

$1.5 million Disaster Training Zone ................................8 

$1 million Disaster Dome .....................................13 

$150,000 Neighborhood Search Prop ...........................30 

$150,000 Three-Sided Building ................................30 

$150,000 Collapsed Freeway Prop ..............................31 

$150,000 Carlee’s Train Wreck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

$150,000 Maggie’s Rubble Pile ................................31 

$50,000 Alert Tube Training Area ..............................40 

$50,000 Murphy’s Rubble Pile ................................40 

$50,000 Timber’s Wood Pile ..................................41 

$50,000 Jessie’s Mudslide ...................................41 

$50,000 Disaster Training Zone Viewing Areas (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

VISTAS, TRAILS, CREEKS, RAVINES 

$ Chief’s Peak ........................................4 

$1 million Old Creek Preserve ..................................14 

$250,000 Ranch Rim Trail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

$200,000 Hilltop Vistas North (2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

$200,000 Hilltop Vistas South (2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

$200,000 Nika Search & Rescue Training Ravine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

$200,000 Cassi Search & Rescue Training Ravine ..................26 

$200,000 Oakley Search & Rescue Training Ravine .................26 

$200,000 Search & Rescue Training Ravines (2 remaining) ...........26 

$200,000 Dakota’s Old Creek Bridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

$200,000 Old Creek Bridge (1 remaining) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

MEMORIAL PARK 

$750,000 Memorial Park - Reserved by the Bert W. Martin Foundation . . 15 

$500,000 Frank McGrath, Jr. Family Canine Memorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

$500,000 Guardian Glade ....................................17 

$250,000 Memorial Arbor - Reserved by the Scaife Family Foundation . . 20 

$250,000 Pat Byrne Grove ....................................23 

$75,000 Boone’s Old Cabin ..................................36 

$75,000 The Margaret Levy Guardian Bridge ....................36 

SHOWGROUNDS 

$500,000 Newman’s Own Foundation Search Team Showgrounds . . . . . 18 

$100,000 Showgrounds Overlook ..............................34 

WELCOME CENTER & DEVELOPMENT OFFICES 

$1 million Frank McGrath, Jr. Family Welcome Center ...............10 

$1 million The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation Development Den .......12 

$250,000 Thelma B. and Thomas P. Hart Foundation 

Board Conference Room .............................23 

$150,000 Barn Gathering Hall .................................28 

$150,000 Rachael’s Rescue Heroes Hall ..........................29 

$100,000 Frank McGrath, Jr. Family Executive Director’s Office. . . . . . . . 32 

$100,000 Caretaker’s Quarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

$75,000 William H. Hannon Foundation Welcome Center 

Reception Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

Infrastructure & gROUNDS 

$1 million Clean Water Delivery System ...........................9 

$250,000 Solar Spectrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

$100,000 Ludwick Family Foundation Campus Drive (Tier 1) ..........35 

$100,000 NTC Campus Drives (3 Tiers remaining) ..................35 

$75,000 Training Zone Service Annex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

$75,000 Maintenance Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

$50,000 Visitors Parking Area ................................45 

3

Chief’s Peak 

Gifted by the Search Dog Foundation 

To the Family of Michael McGroarty in Memory of “The Chief ” 

Michael McGroarty 

September 2, 1949 – June 7, 2010 

As Deputy Chief of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Mike helped shape 

disaster response in California and the Nation. He was part of the Search Dog Foundation from its inception, 

served on the Board from 2006-2010, and was instrumental in making SDF the organization it is today. 

4

National Training Center 

Facility Naming 

$5 million 

We are hopeful that one foundation, company or individual will bestow their name 

upon the country’s first and only center for the training of Canine Disaster Search Teams. 

The facility will be a destination point for all of America’s Search Teams, 

a jewel in the crown of disaster response in our nation. 

The naming will be held in perpetuity and will be carried over to all agency publications, 

letterhead and press releases (unless the donor prefers to remain anonymous). 

5

Canine Pavilion 

$2.5 million 

This is the “headliner” building on the NTC campus. There will be accommodations for 

40 dogs in double-occupancy kennels, each complete with indoor/outdoor runs, 

and plenty of space to rest and play in the fresh air. 

Here, dogs recruited from animal shelters will receive expert care and be evaluated for our program. 

Those with the qualities needed in a Search Dog will receive six to ten months of formal training. 

Dogs not destined for search and rescue will be trained in obedience and partnered with a Lifetime Care Family. 

6

Canine Training Grounds 

$1.5 million 

The Canine Training Grounds are the very heart of our canine program. 

Here the dogs will enjoy intensive daily training and play, and acquire the skills they will one day 

need for the most challenging disaster scenarios. The area consists of three separate yards: 

• Agility Yard 

• Direction Control Yard 

• Covered Canine Training Field 

7

Disaster Training Zone 

$1.5 million 

The Zone will feature unique advanced search scenarios that simulate the conditions 

encountered during actual deployments, including deep victim searches, 

collapsed structures, train derailments, mudslides, and large-area searches. 

The Zone will give all teams the opportunity to reach their highest deployment readiness, 

based on lessons learned during actual disasters such as the Haiti and Japan earthquakes 

and the Oklahoma tornadoes. 

8

Clean water delivery system 

$1 million 

Wheeler Canyon—site of the future NTC—is prone to periods of prolonged drought. The supply of water 

in local aquifers is limited, and the neighbors place a heavy demand on it during dry years. 

In 2009, a new, plentiful water source was discovered on the NTC property, but we needed to find a sustainable, 

environmentally friendly water purification system to serve the needs of the Center. After months of research, 

a system was designed that will deliver clean water using “Zero Liquid Discharge” technology 

which eliminates the production of brine which would have to be hauled from the site. 

Once funds are raised for this critical part of the project, we will install the water treatment system— 

including holding tanks, evaporation beds and the infrastructure to transport water campus-wide. With the water treatment 

system in place, the County will approve plans for SDF to begin building the Canine Pavilion—the heart of the NTC. 

9

Frank McGrath, Jr. Family 

WELCOME CENTER 

$1 million 

reserved 

The Welcome Center will be housed in a newly constructed barn erected 

where the original Willett’s Ranch barn once stood. This will be the official “front door” to the NTC— 

a warm and inviting space for guests, and their first experience of the Center campus. 

It will also house the offices of SDF’s Executive Director and support staff, include a meeting room, 

and contain a large open indoor space for events and gatherings. 

10

Bechtel 

HANDLERS LODGE 

$1 million 

reserved 

The lodge will be used exclusively by visiting handlers and their families as their 

“home away from home” while training at the Center. 

After a long day of training, handlers will gather and bond in the Commons Area, 

share lessons learned from the day’s activities, and spend quality time 

with their canine partners by their side. 

11

The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation 

Development Den 

$1 million 

reserved 

The Development Den will be the hub of all SDF outreach activities. It will be the go-to place for SDF volunteers 

involved in campus-wide programs at the NTC. All fundraising efforts, including publications, stewardship, 

event planning, and media relations will emanate from here. Donors will be invited to meet with staff at “The Den,” 

and the Conference Room wall will be graced with a plaque honoring everyone who contributed 

to the National Training Center “We have not forgotten” Campaign. 

12

DISAsTER DOME 

$1 million 

The NTC “Disaster Dome” will be an environmentally controlled indoor training venue designed 

to simulate the chill of an East Coast winter, the winds of a Midwest tornado, a hot Southwest summer, 

and rain storms of the Pacific Northwest. This one-of-a-kind building will enable us to simulate 

various scent paths and sounds, darkness and distractions, to accustom the dogs 

and their handlers to an array of conditions they could encounter during an actual disaster. 

13

OLD CREEK PRESERVE 

$1 million 

From a quiet trickle to a flowing stream (depending upon the time of the year), 

the Old Ranch Creek has played a part in shaping the topography of this historic ranch for hundreds of years. 

We are following the recommendations of a biologist in selecting native trees, plants and shrubs 

to reestablish the natural habitat and attract birds and other wildlife. Located at the heart 

of the property, the Old Creek Preserve brings beauty and tranquility to the site. 

14

memorial PARK 

Reserved by the Bert W. Martin Foundation 

$750,000 

reserved 

This beautiful, grassy corridor will be the gateway to the National Training Center. 

It begins at the entrance to the Search Team Showgrounds, extends under the shade of the old oak trees, 

passes by The Grove picnic area, and makes a gentle curve before reaching the Guardian Glade 

and Canine Memorial—sheltered alcoves that will offer a peaceful setting for rest and reflection. 

15


canine memorial 

$500,000 

reserved 

The Canine Memorial is at the heart of the National Training Center— a place to reflect and remember. 

Here we pay tribute to the Search Dogs who were at their handler’s side, day and night, year after year, 

offering love, companionship, loyalty, and a willingness to run, full speed, into the most challenging 

and threatening disaster environments the moment the call for help was sounded. 

The Memorial will be a place where the dog’s handler, the family who donated the dog, 

the volunteer who discovered the dog at a shelter, and the dog’s Guardians, 

Sponsors and supporters can all honor the memory of their very special canine. 

16

GUARDIAN GLADe 

$500,000 

Our “Endowment Guardians” are steadfast supporters helping to ensure the future 

of the Search Dog Foundation by including SDF in their Estate Plans. Each of our 164 Estate Donors 

has the opportunity to become the “Guardian” of a Search Dog and to follow the team as they train 

toward deployment. We are honoring our Guardians at the National Training Center by devoting 

a shaded alcove to them within the Memorial Park. Each Guardian is recognized 

with a special tile thanking them for being an essential Part of the Search. 

17

Newman’s Own Foundation 

search team showgrounds 

$500,000 

reserved 

September is SDF’s “We have not forgotten” month. Each year we will gather at the Showgrounds 

to remember those who perished on September 11, 2001, and to recognize those who continue to risk their lives 

to save others. Throughout the year, America’s Search Teams will use the venue to demonstrate 

their dogs’ Obedience, Agility, Direction Control and Search skills to SDF’s family of supporters and guests. 

The Showgrounds will include a stage, bleachers, and a wide grassy area for picnics and play. 

18

ANCH RIM TRAIL 

$250,000 

This open firebreak trail runs along the entire upper perimeter of the bowl-shaped NTC canyon: 

from the parking area, around the canyon rim, and back to the Handlers Lodge. 

During the cool morning and evening hours, handlers and guests will be able to jog 

the two-mile trail to keep in shape, or enjoy leisurely walks to admire the serene chaparral beauty. 

There will be fitness stations at regular intervals along the trail for those who want a very special workout. 

19

memorial ARBOR 

Reserved by the Scaife Family Foundation 

$250,000 

reserved 

As the entrance to the Canine Memorial, this beautiful archway of wood and stone honors 

the heroic Search Teams who have dedicated themselves to saving lives, and the extraordinary 

SDF canines who have passed over the Rainbow Bridge. It says to the community, 

the nation, and the world: “We have not forgotten.” 

20

The Mars Inc./Nutro Company 

“Room to Run” 

$250,000 

reserved 

Since 1998, The Nutro Company has partnered with the Search Dog Foundation 

to provide dog food to all of America’s Certified Search Dogs. The company 

is leading a movement to enhance dog parks nationwide called 

ROOM TO RUN to bring nature closer to home for dogs and their owners. 

Search Dogs will enjoy their own Room to Run area at the National Training Center. 

21

canine pavilion areas 

reserved 

The BEB 

Canine Medical 

CLINIC 

Named after 3 beloved canine companions: 

Birdie, Elli, Biqui 

$250,000 

SDF will be able to take care of the medical screening 

of our canine recruits at the NTC—from the initial 

x-ray to evaluate joint strength, to neuter and spaying, 

to micro-chipping. An on-site vet tech and a visiting 

veterinarian will be able to provide care and 

treatment of the dogs in a well-equipped 

veterinary suite. 

2 reserved 

Canine Housing 

Suites 

2 namings at $250,000 each 

1. Williams-Corbett Foundation 

2. James and Jeannie Dodson 

Located within the Canine Pavilion, each Canine Housing 

Suite will feature 10 runs, 2 dogs each, all built with the 

comfort, safety and security of each dog in mind. 

The spacious units will give the canines free access to their 

own outdoor run during the daytime, allowing them 

to relax in a climate-controlled indoor run for 

“quiet time” during the day, and rest peacefully at night. 

22

eserved 

Thelma B. and Thomas P. 

Hart Foundation 

Board 

Conference Room 

$250,000 

Reports, debates and decisions relevant to the work 

of the Search Teams will take place within these walls. 

In addition to hosting the SDF Board of Directors, 

this comfortable, inviting, well-equipped 

meeting room will be available for use 

by other groups for special meetings. 

Pat Byrne 

GROVE 

$250,000 

Visitors to the NTC will have a chance to gather 

in the shade of a very special grove of oaks just across 

the way from the Welcome Center. Handlers and 

their families can enjoy informal picnics and guests 

can meet and mingle in this serene spot. 

reserved 

23

SOLAR SPECTRUM 

$250,000 

The Search Dog Foundation is committed to creating a “green” campus that is non-polluting 

and sensitive to the beautiful natural setting. The buildings are being designed with maximum energy 

efficiency in mind. We will be using solar technology to capture and convert sunlight into energy to help 

power the NTC. Our “Solar Spectrum” is a PhotoVoltaic system consisting of ground mounted panels 

(784 modules) installed on the south side of Chief’s Peak (195 degree azimuth, 20 degree tilt). 

The estimated total annual power production will be 395 kilowatt-hours. 

24

HILLTOP VISTAS 

Hilltop Vistas 

(Northern Exposure) 

2 namings at 

$200,000 each 

These viewing areas offer the best vantage points 

for watching trainings and taking in 

the peaceful beauty of the valley. 

Hilltop Vistas 

(Southern Exposure) 

2 namings at 

$200,000 each 

These viewing areas offer excellent 

vantage points to see the teams in action and 

enjoy the beautiful oak-rimmed valley below. 

25

SEARCH & RESCUE training RAVINES 


1. Nika 2. Cassi 3. Oakley 

4. Available 5. Available 

3 reserved 

These beautiful canyons, wooded with oaks and native plants, are nestled 

in between the major NTC training areas. Each has a small road leading 

to the rim trail offering panoramic views of the valley below. The ravines 

will be used for wilderness/missing person search training by 

SDF Disaster Search Teams, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Volunteer 

K9 Search and Rescue Team, and the Sheriff’s K9 Unit. 

26

OLD CREEK BRIDGES 


1. Dakota’s 

2. Available 

1 reserved 

Two bridges span the creek that runs the length of the property, 

giving handlers and their canine partners easy access from the Handlers Lodge 

to the Canine Pavilion, Canine Training Yards, and the Disaster Training Zone. 

27

WELCOME CENTER 

Barn Gathering Hall 

$150,000 

This comfortable and well-designed gathering hall will be available for events, 

meetings, and exhibitions. It will also be a place for training the canines during rainstorms 

or hot days. There will also be a portion set aside for storing supplies. The walls will be used 

to display the history of the ranch and the story of our Search Teams. 

28

Rachael’s Rescue 

HEROES HALL 

$150,000 

reserved 

This is a very special area in the Welcome Center where we will recognize 

all SDF Search Teams, past and present, who have served their own communities 

and the nation, risking their own lives to ensure our safety. 

29

LARGE SCALE training Props 

at the disaster training zone 

Neighborhood 

Search Prop 

$150,000 

Tornadoes and hurricanes leave entire neighborhoods devastated. 

Our teams will comb the wreckage of collapsed houses and 

mobile homes filled with toppled furniture, appliances and debris 

that the teams would encounter during an actual deployment. 

Three-Sided Building 

$150,000 

Our three-sided building prop will mimic a home or office 

crushed during an earthquake, tornado, mudslide or explosion. 

Teams will practice hoisting and lowering dogs from the roof. 

The interior will be crowded with debris that allows for 

small voids where “victims” can be hidden. The open side will 

allow us to easily access the debris to change the configuration. 

30

Collapsed 

Freeway Prop 

$150,000 

Even with advanced technology in building practices, strong 

earthquakes can topple freeways and leave motorists trapped in 

the debris. Imagine the challenges to dog and handler when they 

encounter this kind of disaster! The Collapsed Freeway Prop at the 

Disaster Training Zone will include crushed vehicles, twisted rebar, 

and slabs of concrete piled high to simulate a multi-story collapse. 

Carlee’s 

Train Wreck 

$150,000 

reserved 

SDF Search Teams have responded to three separate train 

derailments and collisions. To simulate this type of disaster 

for other teams, several toppled trains will provide a unique 

training opportunity for both canines and handlers. Seats on 

their sides, slippery metal, tight quarters, etc. will challenge our 

Search Teams and help them prepare for this type of deployment. 

Maggie’s 

Rubble Pile 

$150,000 

reserved 

Search Dogs train on huge piles of broken concrete that simulate 

collapsed buildings. The dogs search for “victims” hidden in voids 

many feet under the surface. The dogs learn to find and follow 

the scent of a live human they cannot see. At the NTC 

we will have the ability to alter the configuration of the piles 

so the teams will encounter new and challenging search scenarios. 

31


EXECUTIVE 

dIRECTOR’S OFFICE 

$100,000 

reserved 

The office of SDF’s Executive Director will be a destination 

for visiting Fire Chiefs, Task Force leaders and dignitaries. 

It will be the hub for all strategic and 

operational planning to ensure that the 

Search Dog Foundation and the Training Center 

are run efficiently and effectively. 

32

The DeMartini 

Covered Canine 

Training Field 

$100,000 

reserved 

Sunshine and heat make training difficult. 

By providing an ample, covered, 

outdoor space, we ensure that training 

can move forward during any 

weather conditions. 

Crystal 

Canine 

Socialization 

Area 

$100,000 

reserved 

Located in front of the Canine Pavilion, 

this will be a place where dogs 

can let off steam and enjoy playtime 

with other dogs and trainers. 

33

SHOWGROUNDS OVERLOOK 

$100,000 

This grassy knoll offers a birds-eye view of the entire NTC campus, 

including the “Newman’s Own Foundation Search Teams Showgrounds,” 

Canine Memorial and Guardian Glade, Canine Training Grounds, 

Canine Pavilion, and Disaster Training Zone. It is a peaceful, quiet spot, 

easily accessible by foot or in our motorized carts. 

34

Caretaker’s 

quarters 

$100,000 

The NTC Caretaker will live full-time at the facility 

in the building adjacent to the Development Den. 

Once the Center is finished, this person will be 

responsible for keeping the campus secure, 

well-maintained and running smoothly 

so that our Search Teams and visitors can 

enjoy the facility for many years to come. 

NTC Campus 

Drives 

1 reserved 


1. Ludwick Family Foundation 

2. Available 3. Available 

4. Available 

These roads connect to form a loop through the 

property connecting all major areas of the NTC: 

the Welcome Center, Showgrounds, Handlers Lodge, 

Canine Training Yards, Canine Pavilion 

and Disaster Training Zone. 

35

Boone’s 

Old Cabin 

$75,000 

reserved 

This 100 year-old cabin, situated between 

the Welcome Center and the Handlers Lodge, 

will be filled with antique farm implements 

and other artifacts found on the property 

that capture the history and lore 

of this classic California ranch. 

The Margaret Levy 

Guardian bridge 

$75,000 

reserved 

This picturesque wooden bridge 

arches gracefully over a creek bed 

in front of the Guardian Wall where 

our 179 Estate donors are recognized. 

36

The Arthur and Stella Pepper 

Canine Agility Yard 

$75,000 

reserved 

The animal-human bond between canine and firefighter 

is formed when the team is partnered, and deepens 

during training. At the Agility Yard, dogs will learn 

to navigate slippery, unstable surfaces 

with confidence and safety. 

Direction 

Control Yard 

$75,000 

The canines, trainers, handlers and volunteers 

will spend long hours in the Training Yards, developing 

the skills—and the trust—crucial to disaster search. 

At the Direction Control Yard, dogs will learn 

a language of signals so the handler can 

direct them from a distance. 

37

William H. Hannon Foundation 

Welcome Center 

Reception Area 

$75,000 

reserved 

This will be a comfortable, welcoming area where 

guests will be greeted and oriented for their visit 

to the NTC. In addition to assisting Search Teams 

and guests, the receptionist will be a support person 

for SDF and NTC operations. 

38

Training Zone 

Service Annex 

$75,000 

This covered area will house the forklifts, skip-loaders 

and other vehicles used to re-configure the rubble 

piles and disaster simulation props used in the Disaster 

Training Zone. These vehicles will also service the upper 

tiers of the facility including the hiking trails, vistas, 

and training ravines. The Annex will also provide 

shelter for canines and handlers during training. 

Maintenance 

Hub 

$75,000 

Build it, fix it, paint it, 

move it, or store it… all are essential 

to our well-run campus, and all will be 

taken care of out of this central location. 

39

Disaster training zone props 

The key to Search Team training at the NTC will be the “props” which will simulate the challenges 

each team will face when deployed to an actual disaster. 

Alert Tube 

Training Area 

$50,000 

A Search Dog performs a loud, sustained Bark 

when a victim is detected, letting the handler and 

rescue crews know that someone has been found alive. 

A series of covered Alert Tubes in this training area 

will give novice Search Dogs a chance to practice 

finding practice “victims”—a skill that will 

transfer to the small rubble pile. 

Murphy’s 

Rubble Pile 

$50,000 

reserved 

Once our dogs are able to identify victims hidden in tubes 

and perform a sustained Bark Alert, they begin to train 

on rubble simulating a disaster but with easy to 

intermediate footing for beginners. Once this is mastered, 

they can begin searching the Large Rubble Piles. 

40

Timber’s 

Wood Pile 

$50,000 

reserved 

Imagine acres of lumber strewn as far as the eye 

can see. This is what our Search Teams encounter 

in the wake of hurricanes, tornadoes, train derailments 

and earthquakes. The dogs must quickly navigate 

peculiar, slippery, tilting surfaces, and 

the wood pile is designed for this. 

Jessie’s 

Mudslide 

$50,000 

reserved 

SDF teams have responded to many mudslides and 

landslides. These pose a particularly difficult challenge, 

as the mud may fill the voids in the debris, cutting off 

the air supply to victims. Handlers need to learn what their 

dogs can and cannot accomplish in this disaster setting, 

and training on simulated mud piles is essential. 

41

CAnine training grounds 

Viewing Areas 


1. The Ethel Frends Foundation 

2. Reserved by the Volentine Family Foundation 3. Available 

2 reserved 

Guests can watch our canine recruits work with their trainers 

from a shaded, comfortable vantage point as they 

practice agility, direction control and obedience skills. 

42

Disaster training zone 

Viewing Areas 


It’s not easy to follow the movements of canines and handlers training 

on giant rubble piles and simulated train wrecks. The Viewing Areas 

at the Disaster Training Zone will give spectators 

the ideal angle for watching the teams in action. 

43

canine pavilion areas 

reserved 

Frog Crossing 

Bark AlerT Yard 

$50,000 

Some new learning has to take place in an area 

with no distractions and this small Pavilion yard is meant 

just for that. No other dogs, no people walking by…. 

just the dog and the trainer. Enticing the first bark 

out of a newcomer or getting the concept of “stay” 

across to a lively dog are two of the many skills 

that will begin in this quiet area. 

reserved 

The Hogan Family Foundation 

Grassy 

obedience yard 

$50,000 

Dogs learn basic commands so their movements 

can be controlled by their handler during deployment. 

This is crucial when facing the challenges 

of real life disasters. 

44

handlers lodge living areas 

Jack and Carolyn Ferguson 

Handlers PorcH 

$50,000 

The screened porch rimming the Handlers Lodge 

will provide a beautiful shady spot where handlers 

can relax at the end of the search day 

and families can enjoy quiet time together. 

reserved 

Visitors Parking 

Area 

$50,000 

If we build it they will come…and when they come 

they need a place to park! Located just inside the 

main gate, the Parking Area will be large enough to 

accommodate several hundred vehicles, and is designed 

with footpaths leading to the Welcome Center. 

45

Randy Gross & Dusty: Ground Zero • World Trade Center • September 11, 2001 

“We have not forgotten ”

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