Pip was just your average shelter puppy when Carolyn Vane adopted him from a shelter in Oakland, CA.

Vane adopted Pip with the intention of training him to become a search and rescue canine with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue unit. She has volunteered with them for close to three decades.

She recalled her first training session with Pip (which is short for ‘Pretty Impressive Pooch). “It only took him a minute for him to do what I wanted. He was so bright, such a smart dog,” Vane said.

The border collie trained for over a year before he became a member of the Search and Rescue Team. He has been a part of big searches along shorelines, highways and in the wilderness. He receives hot dogs as a reward.

At nine years of age, Pip has decided to retire. He spends his days playing with children and taking long walks.

As for Vane, she’s currently training another pup to be on the search and rescue team.

Enjoy the video below and have a great week!