Search and rescue dogs help at Mulherin

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - When someone disappears it can take hours to organize the search and every second counts especially when you are talking about the elderly or disabled.

The Southwest Panhandle Search and Rescue Team, or SWPANSAR, is trying to cut down on that time.

Tuesday it was all smiles at the Mulherin Home in Mobile. It’s a residential home for adults and children with developmental disabilities.

That could change in an instant if one of the residents wanders off. Teresa Williams with the home says it would be devastating.

"Like any loved one you want your child or your sibling to be safe,” said Williams.

There are gates all around the facility to keep the residents safe, but if a resident were to make it out every second counts.

"One of the big fears is that they would go with anyone they don't really have the fear to go the other way of to know that they may be in trouble," said Williams.

That’s where Serious and Message come in. They may look like your average pups, but when they are ready to work they are search and rescue experts.

Their handler, Jennifer Morgan has started a program that cuts down on the time it takes to get the dogs searching.

"We want to try and save time so I was going to go a head and set up a search and have it planned and have it here so that when I bring the dogs in I can start passing out assignments and hit the ground running," said Morgan.

Morgan is also taking scent samples from each of the residents. That way if one disappears, the dogs can track them.

“Well just pull it right out the freezer and go with it,” said Morgan.

The program is called “Morgan’s Vision.” Morgan for the creators last name and vision for a loved member of the team.

Vision battled cancer at Morgan’s side. Morgan is in remission. Vision passed away last year.

Morgan says this program is a way to remember the dog that helped bring closure to families all over the Gulf Coast and continue its legacy.

Morgan hopes to take the program nationwide. Mulherin home is the first step.