There is a new wildlife expert in town, and he has four paws. Meet K9 Echo, a three-year-old Shepherd-Husky mix who is making history in Vero Beach as a conservation detection dog in training. While most dogs are content with a game of fetch, Echo has a much higher calling: protecting a threatened keystone species.
The Mission: Protecting Florida’s Gopher Tortoises
Gopher tortoises are essential "engineers" of Florida’s ecosystems. Their deep burrows provide critical shelter for upwards of 300 other species, including burrowing owls, frogs, and snakes. Because of their vital role, they are classified as a Threatened Species in Florida.
Currently, Florida law requires builders to hire Registered Gopher Tortoise Agents to translocate these reptiles to permitted recipient sites before development begins. However, finding them is not always easy. Agents typically capture tortoises by digging up their burrows, but if the tortoise isn't "home" during the dig, they can be incredibly difficult to locate—unless you have a nose like Echo's.
The Powerhouse Behind the Project: Gerry-Anna Jones
This groundbreaking project is a major collaborative effort led by Gerry-Anna Jones, the owner of Goldstar Puppy Academy and President of the Gopher Tortoise Alliance.
With over 10 years of experience working with various animal species, Gerry-Anna is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who adopted Echo when he showed the unmistakable drive of an enthusiastic working dog. At the Academy, she applies the same advanced, "positive-first" training techniques to our clients' dogs that she uses to prepare Echo for his critical role in environmental stewardship.
"Echo’s journey from a rescue foster home to a conservation hero is a testament to what is possible when we understand the science of the canine mind," says Gerry-Anna. "We are proud to use the same advanced techniques we offer our Academy clients to help protect Florida’s natural heritage."
A World-Class Collaborative Effort
Training a conservation detection dog requires a high level of professional collaboration. K9 Echo is supported by a premier team:
- Scent Samples: Provided by Amanda Ebenhack of the Central Florida Wildlife Center.
- Foundational Training: Assisted by Janey Fuller at Cougar Creek K9 in Alabama.
- Expert Field Transition: Renowned wildlife biologist and turtle dog handler Dr. Kristine Hoffmann (Bark & Code LLC) is visiting from New York with her famous partner, K9 Newt, to transition Echo to finding live tortoises in the field.
What’s Next for Echo?
By Spring 2026, K9 Echo will be fully operational. As his handler, Gerry-Anna will direct Echo to zig-zag through the landscape until he catches a scent. Once he pinpoints a tortoise or an active burrow, he will alert her by lying down.
The assigned Registered Gopher Tortoise Agent will then take over to collect data and safely move the tortoise to a recipient site where it can become habituated to its new home range. This collaboration represents a major step forward in habitat surveys and population assessments, helping ensure the survival of this unique species.
Join the Movement
Whether you are looking for premier training for your own dog or want to support local wildlife, there are ways to get involved:
- For Your Dog: Experience the Goldstar Puppy Academy difference. We help every dog reach their full potential through expert-led education.
- For the Tortoises: If you have questions about gopher tortoises or wish to donate to the cause, contact the Gopher Tortoise Alliance at 772-228-1492 or visit gophertortoisealliance.org
Together, we are leading the way in environmental stewardship one paw at a time.
