A remarkable journey of transformation shines brightly through the story of Rico, a once-urgent stray dog who has blossomed into a talented pet detective. Rescued from the brink of euthanasia, Rico has proven to be a beacon of hope as he uses his extraordinary sense of smell to reunite lost pets with their families.
Rachel Rodgers, a compassionate dog trainer and co-founder of The Canine School of Trailing, played a pivotal role in Rico's rescue. Just two days away from a tragic fate, she felt an undeniable connection when she saw a photo of the charming black and tan Kokoni online. “I saw this picture online of this really cute black and tan dog in Portugal and they said he had two days left to live,” she shared. With a generous spirit, Rachel paid nearly $200 to save him from the Portuguese dog pound, ultimately bringing him to her home.
To her delight, Rachel soon discovered Rico’s remarkable abilities. His talent for tracking and sniffing out lost animals was nothing short of amazing. “It was like hide and seek where they sniff you out,” Rachel recalled, as she recognized his potential. In just a few months, Rico was aiding in the search for pets that had gone missing, including an adventurous capybara.
Rico’s training involved sniffing familiar items, such as a blanket or chew toy, to help him locate lost animals. In some cases, he even learned to identify scents using animal droppings, showcasing his incredible skillset. Over the years, he has participated in more than 20 successful rescues, and as Rachel reflects on their journey, she is filled with pride. “I’ve never been so proud,” she said, recalling the moment they found a missing dog after a heartfelt search.
As they celebrate nearly ten years together since that fateful day in December 2015, Rachel and Rico are not only rescuing animals but also teaching others how to do the same. They are training dog trainers around the world, spreading knowledge and compassion to help pet owners reconnect with their furry friends.
One of Rico’s most unusual rescues involved a missing capybara named Cinnamon. When the zoo's usual methods fell short, they brought in fecal samples to help Rico pick up her scent. Though it was a challenge without a fresh trail, Rico’s determination led the team through fields and ditches, ultimately guiding them to the right area where Cinnamon was found safe.
Looking ahead, Rachel hopes her young border terrier, Pebbles, will continue Rico’s legacy of compassion and service once he retires. The story of Rico is a heartwarming reminder of the impact that kindness and second chances can have—not only for animals but for the families they help reunite.