I've been reflecting on the reasons why people decide to pursue human remains detection (HRD) work. It's a field that intimately involves conflict and growth, and those who thrive here often lean deeply into the latter.

Conflict is familiar to many in this profession. Expectations can clash, leading to frustration and

disillusionment. However, growth offers a more fulfilling path, one that transforms the challenges of this work into opportunities for personal development and professional excellence.

For me, the true reward of my work lies not in material gains but in personal growth. It’s not about what we acquire, but who we become along the journey. This concept of growth is integral to being an HRD Handler. Conflict arises from unmet expectations, often stemming from a misalignment between personal purpose and professional reality.

Finding Purpose in HRD Work

At Dog Merickel, our mission is clear: to develop the best human remains detection dog training tools, backed by science-driven practices, and to make them universally available. A key component of success in HRD is understanding your purpose—the reason you do this work—and committing to your own growth.

Without a clear purpose, the journey can lead to disappointment and conflict. Ask yourself, do you know your purpose? At Dog Merickel, we regularly engage in "ThinkTank" discussions to explore and refine our personal goals and purpose statements. We revisit these at least once a quarter, understanding that growth means our purpose can evolve.

The Passion for Learning and Growth

HRD work is demanding. It requires a commitment to learning across a broad spectrum of disciplines—chemistry, law, archaeology, forensics, people skills, technology (such as SARTopo and GPS tech), animal biology, and the decomposition process, to name a few. Accepting the title of HRD Handler means committing to delving into these areas and continually growing in knowledge and expertise.

Overcoming Conflict through Passion and Alignment

One major challenge in HRD is that many people enter the field without fully understanding their motivations. This lack of clarity can lead to unmet expectations and conflict. If you're in the dog world and experience conflict, it might be time to reassess your reasons for being there. Challenge yourself to figure out what you love about working with your dog and ensure it aligns with your purpose and motivation.

If your passions and those of others in the field don’t align, it’s important to move on rather than placate mediocrity. HRD work is special and deserves the best we can offer. This means a commitment to excellence and a willingness to learn from failures.

Embrace Your Journey

So, here’s your tip of the day: figure out your intrinsic motivation for being an HRD Handler. If the concept of learning and growth isn’t at the top of your personal mission statement, you may find your needs remain unmet, leading to conflict. You deserve to be passionately interested in your work.

By understanding and embracing your purpose, and committing to continuous growth, you can navigate the challenges of HRD with resilience and grace, transforming conflict into an opportunity for profound personal and professional development.