Meet John Anthony Shahor

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful John Anthony Shahor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

John Anthony, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

As a member of the Georgia Community Emergency Response Team (GA-CERT K9), I discovered my true calling through Animal-Assisted Intervention work. My purpose crystallized when I saw the profound impact K9s have in search and rescue missions and community building. These remarkable animals not only help locate missing individuals, saving lives and providing closure to families, but also foster a sense of unity and support within our communities. Working alongside these dedicated K9s, I have found a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose, knowing that our efforts bring hope and strength to those in need.

Addressing community concerns in and around Atlanta, I have become increasingly aware of the challenges faced by our youth. To create meaningful opportunities and provide essential resources, we have initiated programs that engage teens and young adults in positive activities. Through our K9 Youth Handlers Program, we offer hands-on experiences that teach responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. Additionally, we provide resources to help young people access job opportunities, connect with mentors, and develop valuable life skills. By fostering these connections and offering support, we aim to empower the youth of Atlanta, helping them to build brighter futures and become active, contributing members of our community.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My passion for community building and mentorship has always driven my professional journey. As an individual deeply committed to fostering strong, resilient communities, I believe that empowering our youth and supporting their growth is essential for a brighter future. My advanced certifications in Dog Emotion & Cognition, Animal Welfare & Behavior, coupled with my expertise as a Certified Trial Decoy, Certified Canine Athlete Advisor (CCAA), and Certified Canine Athlete Specialist (CCAS), have equipped me with a unique set of skills and insights.

Currently, I serve as the Training Director for the Animal-assisted Intervention for the 21st Century (AAI-21®) within La Sierra University’s Criminal Justice Department. In this role, I have the privilege of merging my dedication to animal-assisted interventions with my commitment to education and mentorship. Through this work, I aim to make a meaningful impact on both individuals and the broader community, using the powerful bond between humans and animals to foster healing, growth, and connection.

As a Community Engagement and Search and Rescue (SAR) Awareness Speakers, we are honored to represent the Georgia Community Emergency Response Team (GA-CERT K9) at this year’s SARCON 2024. Our presentation will underscore the critical importance of public awareness, volunteer involvement, education, and community support in achieving successful SAR operations. We will particularly highlight our innovative approach through the local K9 Youth Handlers Program.

Our team, comprised entirely of dedicated volunteers, is funded solely through donations. We work closely with local law enforcement to locate missing persons and bring closure to families with lost loved ones. GA-CERT K9 is steadfast in its commitment to enhancing SAR capabilities through collaboration, education, and volunteerism.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I was first introduced to the transformative idea of using a K9 program to teach life skills to at-risk youth by Preecha, who ran the jail dogs program in one of Washington State’s most notorious prisons. His innovative approach showed the profound impact working with K9s can have on individuals, even in challenging environments. Preecha emphasized that this program was the only way to transcend cultural, religious, racial, and social barriers, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in a shared purpose.

Preecha’s vision inspired us to adapt this model for our K9 Youth Handlers Program. By integrating his principles, we created a program that enhances SAR capabilities while providing at-risk youth with the opportunity to develop essential life skills, build self-esteem, and foster a sense of responsibility and community.

After Preecha planted this idea, GA-CERT K9 began to blossom. We are an organization of certified, licensed, and insured volunteer emergency specialists extensively trained in disaster response, K9 tracking and trailing, human remains recovery on land and water, and live area search. Our specialists assist emergency responders during disasters, accidents, or tragedies.

Each GA-CERT member learns basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in our classrooms and during our exercises, GA-CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event before professional responders arrive.

My unwavering dedication to community building and mentorship has been a cornerstone of my journey with GA-CERT K9. By fostering strong relationships and creating a supportive network, I have been able to engage and empower community members, particularly at-risk youth, to participate in our programs. This commitment has helped build trust and collaboration, essential for the success of our K9 Youth Handlers Program and other initiatives.

My advanced certifications in Dog Emotion & Cognition, Animal Welfare & Behavior, as well as my expertise as a Certified Trial Decoy, Certified Canine Athlete Advisor (CCAA), and Certified Canine Athlete Specialist (CCAS), have been instrumental in shaping our innovative approach to search and rescue operations. This specialized knowledge has allowed me to develop effective training methodologies and curricula for our K9 units, enhancing their capabilities and ensuring they are well-prepared for various SAR scenarios.

Leading the GA-CERT K9 team and our collaboration with La Sierra University’s Criminal Justice Department has required strong leadership and collaboration skills. My ability to bring together scientists, behaviorists, veterinarians, nutritionists, trainers, and other experts has been crucial in establishing a comprehensive and sustainable educational tract for K9 Youth Handlers. This collaborative approach has not only improved the quality of our programs but also ensured that we are continuously evolving and adopting best practices in the field of search and rescue.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Despite our success in cities like Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco, and internationally, introducing GA-CERT K9 programs to Atlanta, Conyers, and Sandy Springs has presented several unique challenges.

One of the primary challenges has been raising awareness and generating interest in the programs. Unlike the established recognition and support we have in other cities, many residents and local organizations in Atlanta, Conyers, and Sandy Springs are not yet familiar with the benefits of our K9-based initiatives. Building this awareness requires extensive outreach, education, and engagement efforts, often with limited initial resources.

Establishing strong partnerships with local agencies, community organizations, and businesses has been more challenging in these new locations. Unlike in cities where we already have a network of supporters, we have had to start from scratch in Atlanta, Conyers, and Sandy Springs. Gaining the trust and commitment of local stakeholders takes time and consistent effort, especially in areas where there may be skepticism or competing priorities.

Each city has its own set of regulations and policies that govern volunteer organizations, animal-assisted interventions, and emergency response programs. Navigating these bureaucratic landscapes to ensure compliance can be time-consuming and complex. In some cases, local regulations may differ significantly from those we are accustomed to in other regions, necessitating adjustments to our standard operating procedures.

Understanding and adapting to the unique cultural and demographic characteristics of Atlanta, Conyers, and Sandy Springs is essential for the success of our programs. These areas have distinct community dynamics, and our strategies need to be tailored to resonate with local residents. This requires in-depth cultural competence and flexibility in our approach to program implementation.

Recruiting and retaining dedicated volunteers is crucial for the sustainability of our programs. In new areas, finding individuals who are not only passionate about our mission but also have the time and commitment to participate can be challenging. Moreover, ensuring that volunteers feel valued and supported to maintain their long-term involvement is an ongoing task.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to establishing GA-CERT K9 programs in Atlanta, Conyers, and Sandy Springs. Cities like Lawrenceville and the Lawrenceville Police Department have given us a great deal of hope. We were profoundly inspired and educated by the recent lecture and seminar presented by Officer Brandon DeCosse and K9 Officer Wick to the students of the La Sierra University Criminal Justice Department. Their demonstration, as Goodwill Ambassadors for the City of Lawrenceville, truly showcased the exceptional skill and dedication required in their line of duty.
Officer Brandon and K9 Wick’s presence was a powerful reminder of the bravery and commitment inherent in law enforcement work. Although we refer to them both as Officers in this post to show our respect, we acknowledge and appreciate their participation in Los Angeles as civilians.

On a personal level, Officer Brandon’s willingness to sit down and engage with members of the community gives me a great deal of hope. Thank you, Officer Brandon and K9 Officer Wick, for sharing your expertise and passion with us. Your visit was not only educational but deeply inspiring. From the mouths of the students: Officer Brandon and K9 Wick provided us with the first positive experience we’ve ever had with a police K9.

By continuing to build awareness, forge local partnerships, secure funding, navigate regulations, understand community needs, and recruit dedicated volunteers, we are confident that we can overcome these obstacles and bring the benefits of our innovative K9 initiatives to these communities.

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Photography by Redimere Media + Foul Photos

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