Alano's Dark Shadow, CGC, SAR, Pet Partner
"Barnabus"
December 26, 1990 to May 10, 2003

After living with Oliver, I did a lot of research on breeds. I knew that I enjoyed Labradors, but I wanted something more mellow and bigger. And, through my  research of Labradors, I learned about Newfoundlands being the precursor to Labradors.

I decided that Newfs were what I wanted, but I needed to meet some, so I went to a couple of dog shows and fun matches and joined HANC - the Heart of America Newfoundland Club.

But, I still couldn't get a Newf. I was in college and the breeders that I contacted were not interested in selling a puppy to a college kid without jobs. So, going against everything I knew about, I got one out of the newspaper.

I knew what B-Man's name would be before Ieven went to pick him up. Dark Shadows, the television show, had a resurgence in the early 90's. I thought the name would be appropriate on several different levels...Dark Shadow fits a dark colored dog. And, Barnabus was the name of the main character.

Barnabus, 9 months, and Nicki during their SAR training in Kalispell, Montana at the Black Paw Search, Rescue & Avalanche Academy. September 1990.

Barnabus and Nicki kayaking in Indiana at Turkey Run State Park on the Sugar Creek. Memorial Day weekend 2001. Photo credit: Doug Gundersen

Barnabus was "My" first of so many things. He was my first Newfoundland, first SAR dog, first therapy dog and much, much more.

He was a partner, a friend and my teacher.

Barnabus was a true Newfoundland in that he was a real working dog. He worked from the time of our SAR certification by Black Paws Search, Rescue and Avalanche Dogs at 9 months old till he turned 10 years old. And through that time, he made many career finds throughout Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana and Kansas, specializing in water searches.

He was Kansas Pet of the Year in 1992, he received a commendation from then Kansas Governor Joan Finney and he a proclamtion naming his own day in Pittsburg, Kansas on Jan. 21.

No matter where we traveled, he made new friends with his quiet, calm demenaor. And, often, people couldn't believe that he could be a SAR dog. But, when it came time to work, he was off like a shot. He had a gift for SAR work.

As time allows, I'll have more photos of him up. Just got to scan them in!

Barnabus in the kitchen during remodeling in Lenexa, Kansas in November 2001.  Photo credit: Doug Gundersen