Search & Rescue K9 Mac Passes From Cancer

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of SBCSAR K9 MacGyver “Mac” after a hard fought battle with Lymphoma. MacGyver crossed the rainbow bridge yesterday afternoon (6/14/22) with his handler Rick Stein and family by his side.

Mac will be remembered always by those that worked alongside him and his handler Rick with very fond memories and positive search outcomes. Mac was well known not only on SBCSAR but also with the handlers of CARDA, the California Rescue Dog Association. He served the team many a time on callouts most notably during the Montecito Debris Flow and following months. Mac was also a welcomed sight at team trainings and get togethers and would host pool parties after trainings for his fellow K9 pals.

A few words from Mac’s handler Rick, “ We are sad, but grateful to have had MacGyver in our lives. He was our perfect companion and partner.

Mac on duty following the 1/9 Debris Flow in Montecito (courtesy photo)

We will miss him dearly and forever. We are sure that Kody (Rick’s prior working K9 with SBCSAR/CARDA) has met him on the other side of the rainbow bridge.”

MacGyver will be remembered but never forgotten for the contributions he and his handler Rick made to the local community and entire state of California on mutual aid callouts searching for lost or missing people.

Mac (courtesy photo)

Be free and go be your playful self with Kody on the other side. A last command from handler to K9, “free dog.”

Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue is a professional, all volunteer and unpaid 501(c)3 organization that is community supported by generous giving to provide services to the County of Santa Barbara under the direction of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. To learn about supporting SBCSAR, please visit our website or reach out to us.