Maggie Hunt, a retired police officer, brought her extensive experience in public safety to MNK9SS when she joined in 2021. Her years in law enforcement have given her a calm, methodical approach to high-pressure situations, which serves her well as a canine handler. 

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Her partner, K9 Guinness, is a purebred yellow Labrador Retriever who came to MNK9SS as a shelter pull from the Blue Earth/Nicollet County Humane Society (BENCHS). Despite his beginnings in a shelter, Guinness demonstrated the drive and temperament needed for search and rescue, ultimately earning his CST-CE, Type I certification in LF, through FEMA/SUSAR. He was named in honor of the original search and rescue Labrador, Guinness, who deployed to the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks, working tirelessly in long shifts to search for survivors and later serving at other major disaster sites including the La Conchita mudslide and Hurricane Katrina. Carrying that namesake, Guinness represents resilience, heart, and service.

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Beyond his certification, Guinness is full of personality. He is known for his playful and “wiggly” self, charming everyone he meets. He loves belly rubs and is always eager to please, bringing both joy and determination to his work. On the rubble pile, his focus and persistence make him a reliable search partner, but off duty, he’s a beloved family dog who keeps spirits high with his goofy, affectionate nature.​