Ekaterina Ivanova with Chadda
Sincere kindness in a big heart, journeying from professional sports through the mountains to rescue dogs — that is Katya! She channels all her knowledge and years of accumulated experience into rescue work with dogs and saving human lives.
Katya is one of the visionaries in dog rescue work within the Mountain Rescue Service (PSS), with over 16 years of experience. Through her work, she contributes to the development and implementation of an effective training system using decoys, which improves the performance of dogs in rescue missions.
The beginning was with her first dog — one of the most experienced rescue dogs in Bulgaria — the German Shepherd Yalk. Yalk’s strong performance laid a solid foundation for Chadda, a Golden Retriever, to carry on Yalk’s legacy. Together with her handler Katya, they have become some of the leading experts in search and rescue with dogs today.
Chadda is a dog with a story, selected by the leading expert in the field, Roman Starman. With his support, Katya and Chadda have successfully further developed the effective training system for rescue dogs in Bulgaria.
Katya’s work and perseverance over the years are one of the reasons why dogs are now officially part of the staff within the Ministry of Interior structures, specifically in the General Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection — something we are proud of!
For Katya, saving human lives is a cause inspired by her worldview and way of life, in which doing good is the core purpose. That’s why she constantly seeks ways to improve herself and the skills of the dogs in the association.
Tervel Totev with Emir
Loyal and devoted to one another, they are a strong team. Tervel is a long-time full-time mountain rescuer at the Central Rescue Team of the Mountain Rescue Service (PSS), and an instructor in courses on safe work at heights across various fields — from industrial settings to evacuation from cable cars.
Emir — a Border Collie with a romantic nature and an official rescue dog with the Mountain Rescue Service (PSS).
Tervel’s childhood was spent in the mountains, close to mountain rescue. From an early age, he was especially drawn to dog handling, which is what inspired him to become a mountain rescuer. He fulfilled that dream with Emir, who is now part of his family.
The two often argue over who’s the bigger alpha in the team. That rivalry leads to excellent results.
Yavor Karolev with Tara
Yavor is a professional mountain rescuer and alpinist. He has been working with the Mountain Rescue Service for years. He has led dozens of rescue operations both on the ground and remotely as a coordinator, in nearly all mountain ranges across the country.
A skilled mountain rescue instructor, who continues to this day to teach his younger colleagues.
Whether Yavor leads Tara or she leads him is not always clear, but Tara is a spirited representative of the Border Collie breed and has taken part in many rescue operations.
Extremely fast and valuable in search and rescue situations in difficult mountain terrain, avalanches, and collapsed structures, Tara loves being around children and actively takes part in our demonstrations.
Kaloyan Hristov with Ray
Kaloyan is the founder and manager of Varrio Sport – All Seasons Outdoor and the Sport and Nature Foundation, a board member of SAR Dogs Bulgaria, and a marketing and digital expert.
An outdoor athlete and enthusiast for an active and healthy lifestyle, mountaineer, sailor, climber, runner, and lover of outdoor sports.
Volunteer in various rescue organizations and in DFSO – the Voluntary Formation under Sofia Municipality.
Ray is a black Labrador who works effectively in mountainous and rocky terrain, collapsed structures, as well as during avalanche operations.
Ray is a favorite among children and often plays with them, looks after them, and demonstrates his skills in schools and kindergartens.
Martina Petrova with Barry
A student and a volunteer at SAR Dogs Bg, as well as with DFSO. The youngest member of our team!
Together with her incredible four-legged partner Barry, they are training in mantrailing, as well as in search and rescue of people in various conditions.
Their work isn't limited to the city – Marti and Barry also train in forests, mountains, and hard-to-reach terrains, where every trace matters.
In 2024, she successfully passed a search and rescue exam in rubble environments.
Barry is a rescued dog, a part of Marti's life, and continues to grow as a search and rescue dog.
Despite lacking a pedigree, he impresses with his scenting ability, energy, and unwavering loyalty.
Marina Tinkova with Barry and Marti
Marina is one of the fiery graces in the SAR Dogs BG team – a mother and Marti's constant partner.
She is an artistic soul with a passionate heart and a southern temperament—a Latin dancer, former dance instructor, and a successful woman with a career in public institutions.
Marina believes in the good and is an active participant in the training sessions and activities of the association.
Together with Marti and Barry, they believe that with dedication, teamwork, and a strong bond between human and dog, they can help make the world a safer and more humane place.
Nickole Dimitrova with Nappo
Никол е СТО в MClimate по професия, член на УС на SAR DOGS Bulgaria, а страстта ѝ към технологиите върви ръка за ръка с дълбок интерес към психологията и планинарството.
She has always wanted to help people in the most meaningful way possible, which is why she takes part in search and rescue training with great enthusiasm and dedication, and is also a volunteer in DFSO – the Voluntary Formation under Sofia Municipality.
Nappo is a dog for whom searching is not just an activity, but a true mission. When he works, he is extremely focused and dedicated, and his joy comes not only from treats but, above all, from the act of searching and finding itself.
The two joined SAR DOGS BG in 2023 and have undergone intensive training in search and rescue of people in various environments. In 2024, they successfully passed the search and rescue exam for collapsed structures and are now a certified team, ready to take part in real missions.
Yana and Dimitar with Baru and Shira
Baru, an Australian Shepherd born in Lithuania, began search and rescue training at just four months old, dreaming of becoming a true rescue dog. He loves jumping over obstacles, going through tunnels, and most of all — playing frisbee.
Shira, a 6-year-old Shiba Inu with a gentle nature, initially joined the training sessions to keep Baru company, but soon discovered her passion for searching and dreams of becoming the first rescue Shiba Inu.
Yana and Dimitar, doctors with over 20 years of experience in cardiology and cardiac surgery, love adrenaline-filled outdoor sports — freeride skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, sailing, and kitesurfing — and are eager to contribute to the training of search dogs.
Vesi Ilieva with Aussie Smile
Vesi Ilieva and her dogs — compassion through training and rescue. For her, dogs are not just pets — they are a calling.
With over 15 years of experience in breeding and training Australian Shepherds, she has built a true team of talented dogs.
Her dogs have won numerous awards for performances in dog dancing and agility, and they demonstrate exceptional skills in searching for missing persons.
Every training session, every trick they learn has a purpose — to be of help when someone is in danger. 'The greatest reward is seeing how your dog can change someone's fate,' shares Vesi.
Vesi and her dogs prove that true harmony between human and animal is measured by actions, not by titles.
Lili Touchek with Kaya
Lili Touchek and her dog Kaya are newcomers to rescue dog training, but they are highly motivated and eager to grow.
Kaya is a Border Collie — a breed known for its intelligence, high energy, and strong work ethic. She is highly motivated and loves solving tasks, which makes her a great candidate for rescue work.
Although new to rescue dog training, she has knowledge of avalanche safety, which will be valuable during her training. She has experience in the mountains and is dedicated to developing the skills needed for effective work in rescue missions.
Their main goal is to build a solid foundation in rescue work by developing strong partnership, obedience, and search skills. They are eager to learn from experienced instructors and to become valuable members of a rescue team.
Iva and Iva with Zima
Zima is as wild as a winter storm and as strong as thick ice. At the same time, she is gentle, loving, and brings soul-soothing warmth — just like the fire in a winter fireplace. This incredible dog came into the family’s life after Iva’s daughter drew a magical picture of herself hugging a small puppy. That’s how Zima became their dream dog.
Iva and Zima are part of SAR DOGS BG because they believe that through play and lots of love, dogs can be trained to become one of the most powerful tools in the search for injured people.
With gratitude, they turn to Katya — their teacher and inspiration, who founded this group. Iva supports her with all her heart and believes that together they can truly make a difference.
Kliment Goranov with Bagira
By profession, Kliment is an insurance broker with many years of experience. A person with a big heart and numerous hobbies — colorful and often completely different from one another — Kliment loves diving into new challenges and is always looking for ways to be helpful to others
Bagheera is a 4-and-a-half-year-old Newfoundland, impressive not only for her large size but even more so for her gentle nature. An excellent swimmer with extensive experience working with people — she has visited patients in hospital settings, showing exceptional empathy and a stable nervous system in all kinds of conditions.