05/28/2025
In Loving Memory of Zada Lynn Avis
December 12, 2015 – May 25, 2025
Best Friend. Foundational Matriarch. Lead Tracker.
With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we announce the passing of Zada Lynn Avis due to cancer, the soul and spirit behind Schmavis Big Game Recovery and Catahoulas, who crossed the bridge on May 25, 2025.
Zada was not just a dog—she was a force. A brilliant tracker, a nurturing mother, and an unwavering partner in the field, Zada leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, including over 550 successful recoveries, the honor of being named 2023 Tracking Dog of the Year, and more than 80 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who carry her fire forward.
Her resume reads like that of a Hall of Famer:
United Blood Trackers Aptitude Assessment
Level 1 Certification
Off-Lead Certification
Level 3 Certification
Zada’s nose was unmatched. Her feats in the field—such as a 40-hour-old recovery, a 5.2-mile track, and an awe-inspiring six recoveries in a single day—cemented her reputation as one of the finest working dogs of her generation. She recovered three different species over her career and served proudly as an ambassador for the Sportsmen’s Alliance, embodying the strength, discipline, and spirit of the hunting community.
Her legacy reached far beyond the woods. Zada appeared on national hunting programs including The Bone Collector with Michael Waddell, The Hunt Club with Philip Cullpepper, Realtree Road Trips, and The Challenge Outdoors, inspiring trackers, hunters, and dog lovers across the country.
But to those who knew her best, Zada was more than a titleholder or TV personality—she was family. A calm leader with fierce loyalty and quiet confidence, she was the steady heartbeat of the pack. Her presence gave strength. Her eyes held wisdom. Her work—every mile, every trail, every recovery—was a testament to love, purpose, and partnership.
Zada's paws may no longer touch the earth, but her prints are etched forever into our lives and our hearts. She will be deeply missed, forever honored, and never replaced.
Good girl, Zada. Job well done. Rest easy.
