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Toni Sander is known by clients of The Savannah at Chappell Crossing as the West Chester Twp. based convention center's sommelier and corporate sales representative. But she hopes that soon she — or more accurately, she and her dog — will be known as the team to call for area search and rescue operations.

Sander and her 18-month-old German Shepherd, Rudi, have been training since the end of 2007 to become a volunteer search-and-rescue team.

"It's my volunteer work," said Sander. "I love dogs, and I got to thinking this would be good."

Sander said she and Rudi will hopefully take certification tests later this year that will allow them to work locally with the Cincinnati Area K-9 Search Team, and could pave the way to volunteer work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency at regional disaster sites.

In the meantime, Sander said her energetic companion requires lots of attention in addition to his training. The assertive attitude required for K-9 search and rescue work means Rudi spends workdays at dog day care, and Sander spends much of her off hours playing with him. But she was quick to say the work is worth the reward.

"It's good work and it's community service," she said, "and it's fun to work with my dog."