Scent of history Working dogs assist in Tumwater cemetery discoveries

Cairn Canine Detection's dogs detected 24 separate graves at Tumwater’s Union Pioneer Calvary Cemetery on July 22, 2025, aiding in the restoration of a site with significant historical importance. The cemetery, which contains many undocumented burials from the 19th century, has been subject to various relocations of graves over the years, complicating its historical record. Volunteers have worked to clean and straighten headstones, while trained dogs assist in locating long-buried remains. The dogs, capable of detecting human remains from hundreds to nearly a thousand years old, operate under the guidance of their handlers. Volunteers from local historical societies verify the dogs' findings through systematic probing of the area.

DAR Project Coordinator Franida Maudsley praised the collaboration with the dog handlers in this endeavor. The project underscores the commitment of local organizations to preserve the integrity of Tumwater’s oldest burial sites. The team plans to return in the fall for follow-up efforts to further assist in the restoration.