Something to be thankful for: Search and rescue dogs
By Gina Spadafori
April 6, 2009
Last night’s earthquake in Italy hit a region known not only for seismic activity but also for beautiful old buildings that aren’t even in good repair, much less up to anyone’s idea of modern earthquake standards.
That means a lot of downed buildings with people trapped under rubble. More than 70 are already reported dead, with countless more trapped and thousands homeless.
This morning, I am thankful for search and rescue dogs and their handlers, who are ready on short notice to head into dangerous conditions to save lives when they can, and bodies when they can help in no other way.
The International Rescue-Dog Organisation reports teams in Italy are already on the site, and other teams are staging throughout Europe and will be on-site within hours.
SAR dogs and handlers really are an impressive ‘breed’. I, too, am thankful for SAR dogs!
Comment by Jen — April 6, 2009 @ 9:13 am
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to leave a comment here since the field of S&R Dogs is close to my heart. I have been training Search & Rescue Dogs for over ten years, last year I had to let my Wolfie (S&R Dog for 8 years after that still worked as Pet-Therapy Dog with children)cross Rainbow Bridge, at the age of almost 15years. These Dogs are doing great work and there Handlers/Trainers along with the Dogs sucrifice a lot to keep there Dogs in shape and it is all on a voluntary basis. My Thank you and Respect to all the Search & Rescue Dogs and Handlers. I am awaiting my next S&R Dog to be born. Wish I could place a picture of Wolfie here. : ) Gabriele
Comment by Gabriele — April 7, 2009 @ 2:48 pm