As we are seeing in Haiti and have seen in many disasters the difference between life and death can be the presence of a search and rescue dog. Search and rescue dogs are saving lives every day around the world finding those who are lost or trapped.
The thing that I always thought was that all of these dogs are owned and trained by or city or county governments. I was surprised to find out that this is not the case. The fact is that most of these dogs and their handlers are volunteers. The dogs handler will spend several years and thousands of dollars from their own pocket to train their dogs. Once trained the pair volunteers to work with local police and fire departments.
For the dogs the work is its own reward. The dogs are ready willing able to work for a pat on the head, a lot of “good boys” and the occasional treat. The handlers show a commitment to help their fellow man that goes far beyond that of most people.
There is a group called the ‘Search and Rescue Dog Foundation’ that raises private funds to help with the cost of training these most special animals.
I would like to urge our readers at this time to take a moment to visit their website to learn more and please consider a donation. Who knows, one day one of these special dogs may save the life of someone you love.
You can visit the ‘Search and Rescue Dog Foundation’ website by clicking here:
http://www.sardogfoundation.org
