A Dog's Devotion

A Dog’s Devotion is an unforgettable true story that immerses readers in the harrowing aftermath of one of America’s most tragic natural disasters—the 2014 Oso Landslide in Washington State. When ten million cubic yards of earth tore through homes and families, an elite team of K9 Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers answered the call. Among them were handler Suzanne Elshult, her devoted Labrador Retriever Keb, and teammate James Guy Mansfield.

Through vivid, real-life storytelling, readers follow Suzanne, Keb, and Guy as they work tirelessly through the cold mud and devastation to locate victims buried beneath the landslide’s debris. But this is only the beginning of their extraordinary journey. From snow-covered ridges on Mount Rainier to remote forests in Washington and even missions in Scandinavia, A Dog’s Devotion chronicles the true challenges, triumphs, and emotional toll of life as a search and rescue team.

At its heart, this book is about the unbreakable bond between human and dog. Keb’s keen nose can distinguish the scent of the living from the dead, detect remains underwater, and find bones long hidden by time. Her work has helped bring closure to families and assisted investigators in solving long-cold cases. With unwavering loyalty and courage, Keb embodies what it means to serve with heart and purpose, inspiring those around her to persevere even when hope seems lost.

Key Features:

• True firsthand account of K9 Search and Rescue missions in the aftermath of the 2014 Oso Landslide
• Follows Suzanne Elshult, James Guy Mansfield, and their heroic Labrador Retriever, Keb
• Details real SAR operations across mountains, forests, and disaster zones
• Captures the courage, teamwork, and emotional resilience of K9 responders
• Perfect for readers interested in true rescue stories, canine heroes, and human-animal bonds

A Dog’s Devotion is more than a story of disaster and recovery—it is a testament to the power of partnership, the will to serve, and the extraordinary devotion of a dog whose courage changed lives forever.

About the Authors:

Suzanne Elshult is an experienced K9 Search and Rescue handler whose work has taken her across the globe in search of the missing and the lost. Her commitment to service and her partnership with Keb have inspired SAR volunteers worldwide.

James Guy Mansfield is a seasoned search and rescue volunteer and author who has dedicated his career to documenting the untold stories of courage, teamwork, and perseverance in the world of K9 rescue missions.