This feature, as always, is about communication. In this case, the communication includes animals, specifically search and rescue dogs.

Our interview is with Judith Steinlau. Judith does, among other things, search and rescue and has two highly-trained German-bred German shepherds. She has worked thousands of hours for search and rescue.

Currently Judith can be seen at the AIS (aquatic invasive species) check station in Kemmerer. She and others check boats and other watercraft for invasive species that could damage our water ways.

Q: What is your secret passion?

A: Gaining knowledge.

Q: What event of bravery have you witnessed?

A: That would be Joshua Dennis. At 10 years old, he was with a Boy Scout camp of 30 kids and 10 adults. They went to explore an old mine, and Joshua got separated from the group. He was lost in that mine for five days.

One problem was that the troop didn’t know he was in the mine, so they searched for him in the area, logging 6,500 man hours in the search. Through a series of what some may call miracles, that young boy survived. At one point, he crossed a precipice that was very narrow with a hundred foot fall on either side. The mine was pitch black, and Joshua couldn’t see his hand in front of his face.

He passed the time singing songs. He slept a lot and said he felt the presence of angels with him. He said he never felt alone and knew he would be found. He thought only two days had passed when he was rescued.

He survived with no food or water, no light of any kind and no warm clothes. What a brave young man.

Q: What is your earliest memory?

A: My dad carrying me around and taking me in and out of the house because I was sick.

Q: What is the farthest you’ve been from Kemmerer?

A: Australia.

Q: What do you regret in life?

A: Times when I didn’t remain calm and live in the moment.

Q: What kernel of wisdom can you give our readers?

A:  Be long to anger and short to compassion.

Q: Who do you most admire?

A: My sister-in-law’s mother, Rosie.