Search Dog Foundation’s Los Angeles-based six canine disaster search teams finally arrived in Japan around 10:30 PT Sunday at Misawa Air Base. This base is located in Northern Japan. The teams made a stopover in Alaska on their way to Japan.
The dogs did well on their flight to Japan. Unlike most of us who fly our dogs, these dogs got to ride with their handlers in the cabin. Upon arrival they were rested with their handlers.
They are currently awaiting more details on their search assignment to travel to those areas with the highest probability of survivors.
As of the most recent report, the teams of dogs and handlers are working out transportation to Ofunato City, an area on the Northeast coast of Japan. Half of the team will be working in the area of Ofunato City to conduct reconnaissance and primary searches, while the other half will be assisting with logistics and equipment prep at the Misawa Air Base.
The canine task force will be divided into two teams. The red team will consist of Jasmine Segura and Cadillac, Eric Gray and Riley, and Gary Durian and Baxter. The blue team is Bill Monahan and Hunter, Linda Tacconelli and Joe, and Ron Horetski and Pearl.
The canines are trained to find people trapped in the rubble. All rescue personnel will be anxiously awaiting the “bark alert” from the dogs, letting them know there is someone alive, and possibly unconscious, in need of rescue.
While the dogs were on their way to Japan, Search Dog Foundation just raised $100,000 to train more dogs for search and rescue. This was done by the generous support of Dog Bless You and Facebook. Search Dog Foundation plans on training 21 new teams in 2011.
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