In 1998 the idea was first formed by Roni Braendle that San Antonio and the surrounding area needed a Canine Search and Rescue team. Beginning in 1999 we formed this team, hereafter known as San Antonio's Blacksun Search and Rescue Canine Team (SABSAR), with four founding members, Roni Braendle, Sandra Lee, Kelly Ann Cook, and Richard De La Cruz. Since that time the team has seen a lot of new members come and go and have constantly tried to become more knowledgeable, more professional, setting our standards higher and becoming more qualified for serving our community. Throughout the years that SABSAR has been in existence, we have been called out by law enforcement and served our community in high profile searches. If there is a search that we feel we are not qualified to handle, we will decline the call-out.

SABSAR takes great pride in the fact that we have worked very hard to build trust in such organizations as law enforcement, Heidi Search Center and other search organizations throughout Texas. It is our policy that we MUST be called out by Law enforcement, Heidi Search Center or a family (after they have contacted law enforcement) to work on a search. We do NOT just show up on a case that we have heard of in the news media.

We encourage our canine handlers, ground pounders, canines, etc. to certify with outside organizations, however, that is not what makes them mission ready on SABSAR's team. Canines, canine handlers, flankers, ground pounders and man trackers must regularly show consistency in their working ability in their chosen skill to make him or her "Mission Ready" to participate successfully in a search.

We are constantly needing new volunteers that have a sincere desire to serve the community in a professional manner to help bring home the lost or to add closure for the family. We are not looking for someone who is working to get their name in the media or make their pet a hero. A high percentage of pets cannot qualify for the standards we have set. Those volunteers will need to work long hours for no pay, train regularly and be on call 24/7.

After the 911 incident, search and rescue teams have been formed all over the country, both qualified and unqualified. Volunteers, we do an EXTENSIVE personal and criminal background check on you, even if you have been on other SAR teams.

We are proud to announce that SABSAR is extending their capabilities to include a new chapter in Gonzales County that will be able to assist not only the home team but Gonzales and surrounding counties. This team will include a canine team, ground pounders, man trackers, and an equine team. which is very much needed in this area. This chapter has already been formed and is in the process of accepting new members and starting training.

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