She’s saved so many lives.
A Labrador retriever named Roma has an extraordinary story that proves how much potential can be hiding inside a rescue dog. Once surrendered because of her boundless energy, she eventually discovered her true calling: helping search-and-rescue teams locate people trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Today, the 6-year-old dog works alongside firefighter Derek Moree, responding to emergencies where her remarkable sense of smell and specialized training can make a life-saving difference.
But her journey to becoming a search-and-rescue dog began with someone recognizing that the qualities that made her difficult to manage could also make her exceptional.
From an Overwhelming Rescue Dog to a Promising New Career
Roma’s early life wasn’t exactly easy. Her original owner struggled to manage her seemingly endless energy and eventually surrendered her to Southern California Cat Adoption Tails, an animal rescue organization in Pasadena.
Fortunately, Roma’s energetic personality eventually attracted the attention of the Search Dog Foundation.
Recruiters contacted the rescue after noticing Roma on social media. The rescue manager, who had experience with working dogs, agreed that her enthusiasm and determination might make her an excellent candidate for professional search training.
Roma was soon given an opportunity that would completely transform her future.
Instead of being expected to suppress her natural enthusiasm, she entered a training program where those qualities became her greatest strengths.
A Special Talent That Could Save Lives
At the Search Dog Foundation, trainers immediately recognized Roma’s enthusiasm for running, playing and exploring.
Her high energy, natural curiosity and strong motivation made her particularly suited to learning how to locate people hidden from view.
Training involved teaching her to search designated areas, identify human scent and alert her handler when she discovered someone.
Roma quickly progressed through the program, developing the concentration and discipline required for demanding rescue operations.
After completing her training, she was paired with Derek Moree of the Los Angeles County Fire Department in November 2022.
The two began developing the close working relationship essential for successful search-and-rescue missions. Their dedication paid off when they earned FEMA certification in March 2024, qualifying them for deployments across the United States and internationally.
When Disaster Strikes, Roma Is Ready to Help
As a certified live-find search dog, Roma has a responsibility that extends far beyond ordinary obedience training.
She specializes in locating living people who may be trapped beneath collapsed buildings or hidden deep within disaster debris.
During major emergencies, every minute can be critical. Rescue teams must search enormous areas while navigating unstable structures and dangerous conditions.
A trained search dog’s exceptional sense of smell allows rescuers to identify locations where people may be buried, helping emergency workers concentrate their efforts where they are needed.
Roma’s training prepares her to navigate difficult terrain, work amid unfamiliar noises and remain focused even in chaotic environments.
These abilities would soon be put to the test during a devastating international disaster.
Roma and Her Handler Deploy to Earthquake-Stricken Venezuela
On June 24, 2026, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing widespread destruction and leaving numerous people trapped beneath damaged and collapsed buildings.
The following day, Roma and Moree deployed as part of an international emergency response operation.
They joined five other Search Dog Foundation-trained canine teams from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, working alongside international rescue personnel to search for survivors.
The teams faced dangerous conditions as they searched unstable debris in communities devastated by the earthquakes.
After days of demanding operations, the six canine teams completed their mission and returned safely to the United States.
For Roma, the deployment demonstrated just how dramatically her life had changed.
The same energetic dog who had once been surrendered because her owner couldn’t manage her enthusiasm was now putting those qualities to work during a major humanitarian emergency.
Her transformation also highlighted the importance of recognizing the individual abilities of rescue animals and providing appropriate opportunities for them to thrive.
A Special Recognition for an Extraordinary Rescue Dog
Roma’s inspiring journey has also been connected with Remember Me Thursday, an international animal welfare campaign organized by Helen Woodward Animal Center.
Held annually on the fourth Thursday of September, the initiative raises awareness about homeless animals and encourages people to consider adopting pets from shelters and rescue organizations.
Roma’s story illustrates the message behind the campaign: animals who struggle to find suitable homes may have extraordinary abilities that have yet to be discovered.
The original account identifies Roma as a recipient of the campaign’s Pet Hero Award, which celebrates rescued animals that have accomplished remarkable things.
The award program provides honorees with a commemorative award and a year’s supply of Blue Buffalo pet food. According to the supplied story, Moree chose to donate Roma’s food prize to a local animal rescue organization.
A Second Chance That Changed Everything
Roma’s story demonstrates what can happen when an animal’s unique personality is understood rather than overlooked.
Her enthusiasm, determination and seemingly endless energy initially made her difficult for her original owner to manage. Yet those same characteristics eventually became essential qualities in her career as a search-and-rescue dog.
Through specialized training and a strong partnership with Moree, Roma found an environment where she could flourish while performing meaningful work.
Her journey also highlights the dedication of animal rescue organizations and trainers who recognize that different dogs thrive in different environments.
Not every energetic shelter dog will become a professional search-and-rescue animal, but Roma’s experience shows why finding the right match can be so important.
Once a dog whose future was uncertain, Roma now has a loving home, a devoted handler and an extraordinary job.
And whenever disaster strikes, she’s ready to put her remarkable abilities to work helping people who need her most.