Guiding Lights of Hope: Ozarks K-9 Search and Rescue
When disaster strikes—whether it’s a tornado tearing through the Ozarks or a missing person case in rugged terrain—there’s a team ready to respond with courage, skill, and unwavering dedication: Ozarks K-9 Search and Rescue. This volunteer group trains highly specialized dogs to assist in critical search and rescue operations, providing hope and answers in the most uncertain moments.
Life-Saving Work Across the Ozarks and Beyond
Ozarks K-9 Search and Rescue works closely with the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office to respond to emergencies locally, while also deploying across the country when needed. Their dogs are trained in multiple disciplines, including:
Human Remains Detection (HRD): Locating deceased individuals in disaster zones or crime scenes, bringing closure to families.
Area Search: Covering vast wilderness or storm-damaged areas to find missing persons.
Trailing: Following scent trails to locate individuals who have wandered or gone missing.
Urban Disaster Search: Detecting survivors trapped under rubble after structural collapses.
Gun & Article Detection: Assisting law enforcement by locating firearms and personal items that provide vital clues.
These dogs extend human capability in chaotic environments—turning despair into direction and chaos into clarity.
The Team Behind the Mission
This incredible work is powered by volunteers who give their time, energy, and expertise:
Melissa Forester, co-founder and owner of Bring Your Own Dog Wash (BYOD) in downtown West Plains, leads the charge alongside Cate Jaus, Robert Forester, Audrey Perry, Dale Lewis, Jerry Lewis, and Amber Stanley.
Audrey Perry and Amber Stanley are not only dedicated team members—they’re also downtown business owners (Thunder Lizard pet shop & West Plains Farmers & Artisans Market, respectively). Audrey works with her chocolate lab, a certified SAR dog, while Amber serves as a flanker, supporting the team.
One of the co-founders, Cate Jaus, is also a co-founder of Complete Canine Academy in West Plains. Her business provides professional training programs for pet owners, ranging from basic obedience to advanced skills. This expertise allows the Search and Rescue team to keep its mission focused while still connecting local families with trusted resources for everyday dog training needs.
Why It Matters
In moments of crisis, time is everything. SAR dogs can detect scents invisible to humans, navigate dangerous terrain, and guide rescuers to those who need help most. Beyond their technical skill, these dogs offer emotional comfort to survivors and responders alike.
Melissa shares, “The most rewarding part of this work is seeing the direct impact our dogs and teams have on people’s live: bringing closure or hope. Whether it’s finding a missing loved one alive or helping a family recover remains, knowing that our work provides answers in the most uncertain, painful moments is deeply meaningful.”
Community Connection
While their mission often takes them into disaster zones, the team’s roots run deep in West Plains. BYOD has been a trusted downtown business for six years, where some of the team comes to socialize and participate in downtown events. The team regularly hosts community education events and would love to schedule live demonstrations to show the incredible skills of SAR dogs. These events inspire future volunteers and strengthen the bond between the team and the people they serve.
How You Can Help
Ozarks K-9 Rescue operates entirely on volunteer power and never charges for searches. Community support makes their mission possible through:
Volunteering: Assist with logistics, fundraising, or training exercises.
Donating: Help cover training, certification, veterinary care, and specialized equipment.
Spreading Awareness: Share their story, invite them to events, and educate others.
Partnering: Businesses can sponsor gear, provide training spaces, or collaborate on outreach.
Melissa sums it up best: “Our dogs are guiding lights of hope. Their courage fuels ours, and together, we turn chaos into clarity.”
If you are interested in supporting this mission, email melissa Forester at byoddogwash@gmail.com. You can follow their journey on Facebook at Ozark K9 Search Team.
