Many of those pet owners out there seem to forget about their dogs during a natural catastrophe, essentially demoting them to property during an emergency. This changed for me decades ago when I was introduced to the term "working dog". If you've never worked with a "furry tornado with laser beam focus" before, I am here to say that my canines are my partners. They are not "my kids", nor are they just "my dogs", I have formed a life-long partnership with them. As I learned to understand the mind of my canines over the years, it struck me that many pet owners don't fully understand the responsibilities of being a K9 dog handler. Because whether you considered it or not, the day that little heart stealer came home to your house, you became one. From that day, until he/she passes, their whole world revolves around you. As the "alpha" of your pack, your job is to teach them everything, and responding to emergencies is just one very small part.