S4-Ep 37: When Every Second Counts: Autism, Elopement & Search and Rescue with Blue SAR

When a vulnerable loved one goes missing, every second matters. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler talks with Angelina Farris, Founder and Executive Director of Blue SAR, a nonprofit dedicated to the search, recovery, and rescue of missing persons, with a special focus on vulnerable individuals. Angelina introduces listeners to Skye, Blue SAR's black-and-tan bloodhound trained specifically in scent-discriminating trailing. Unlike a tracking dog following impressions on the ground, Skye is trained to follow the scent of one specific person—providing search teams with another resource that may help narrow a search more quickly. Skye is also trained to give a quiet sit alert when she finds someone, an intentional choice when searching for individuals who may be autistic, have dementia, or otherwise become overwhelmed or frightened. Jennifer and Angelina also discuss something families may never have considered: preparing a scent kit before an emergency occurs. Angelina explains how an uncontaminated scent can help Skye begin a search and why families traveling with a vulnerable loved one may want to bring their prepared scent kit with them. The conversation is filled with practical steps families and caregivers can take now—from keeping current photos and medication information readily available to checking home-camera placement and recording settings. Angelina also addresses an important misconception: families do not have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing. It's an important conversation about prevention, preparation, and having additional resources in place before they're ever needed. Because in a search for a missing loved one, saving time can make all the difference. Email: [email protected] Phone: 713.256.2445 call or text Scent Kits Facebook Messenger