Handler Cathie Harms Tordoff

• Joined PAWS in 1985
• Trained 5 certified dogs
• Participated in over 100 searches
• SARTECH II
• Retired wildlife biologist
• Interests: fly fishing, knitting

K9 Vickers

• German shepherd/Karelian bear dog
• Certified in 2015: trailing, air scent, human remains detection (HRD)
• Vickers loves all people & gives CPR whether or not needed

Handler Chris Illingworth

• Joined PAWS in 2012
• Trained 2 certified dogs
• SARTECH II
• 30 years as elementary school counselor

K9 Garmin

• German shepherd
• Certified in 2022: trailing, air scent, human remains detection
• Garmin is ready to work 24-7, and sometimes even more!

Handler Greg Kahoe

• Joined PAWS in 2016
• SARTECH II
• Wilderness first responder
• Ester Volunteer Fire Department: firefighter & EMT-1

K9 Lucy

• English springer spaniel
• Certified in 2017: trailing, air scent, human remains detection
• Lucy won’t stop working until she’s earned her frisbee.

Handler Pat Doak

• Joined PAWS in 2019
• SARTECH II
• Wilderness first responder
• Biology professor
• Interests: wilderness exploration, natural history

K9 Tarn

• Border collie/golden retriever
• Certified in 2021: trailing, air scent, human remains detection
• Tarn adores people and exploring the outdoors

Handler Sean Meltvedt

• Joined PAWS in 2020
• SARTECH II
• Wilderness first responder
• Electrical engineer
• Interests: woodworking, powered outdoor exploration

K9 Cinder

• Labrador retriever
• Certified in 2022: trailing, air scent, human remains detection
• Cinder loves people who throw her ball

Handler BJ Bennedsen

• Joined PAWS in 2023
• SARTECH II
• Wilderness First Aid
• Registered nurse
• Interests: outdoor activities, accordian

K9 Toko

• German shepherd/coonhound
• Certified in 2024: trailing, air scent, human remains detection
• Adopted as pup from Arctic German Shepherd Rescue
• Loves work, water and sticks 

Handler Dorte Dissing

• Joined PAWS in 2023
• SARTECH II
• Wilderness First Aid
• GIS Specialist
• Interests: skiing, hiking, kayaking, running, gardening, and knitting.

K9 Salix

• German shepherd mix
• Certified in 2025: trailing, air scent, human remains detection
• Adopted as pup from Arctic German Shepherd Rescue
• Loves cuddling, cooler temps, and Toko’s toys. Working is okay too.