The dogs that save snow enthusiasts

October 29, 2:49 PMDenver Dynamic Dogs ExaminerGail Kirkegaard

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Colorado search dog Hasty, handler is Patti Burnett from comdens.com/SAR
Photographer: Bob Winsett

PLAY SAFELY THIS WINTER

Schools are closed today. The snow in Denver is a foot deep or more. Ski resorts are grateful for a fresh blanket of white powder.  I am sure that stores are enjoying strong sales of winter gear, snow shoes, downhill skis, and cross country accessories. Colorado adventurers look forward to the weekend.

Please be aware of avalanches. Before long, our mountains will be full them. Even with the aid of powerful binoculars, the human eye is unable to locate people buried under the snow. Tracks are usually non-existent following the roaring force of an avalanche down the mountain. Trees are brought down. Imagine the impact they have on a human. If they can manage to scream from under the weight of massive piles of snow, hearing them even at close range is still nearly impossible.

There is one thing that can work. It is the olfactory senses of a four-legged search and rescue volunteer. Known to have many times the acuity of a human nose, that of a trained avalanche dog can perform wonders. Dogs can also see better at night and have superior hearing to their human search partner. They can locate missing persons in a shorter time than can teams without a dog. These dynamic and dedicated workers often find people still miraculously alive. Sometimes it is too late; tons of snow can suffocate a person within a few minutes. When a dog is searching, they can be located sooner, and are more likely to be found alive. Some experts say one dog is worth 20 to 30 human searchers (see NASAR link below). The Swiss Army is credited with the first use of avalanche search and rescue dogs in the 1930's.

We cannot all have a SAR dog of our own along on our trips. Please thank the following organizations for all they do to provide dogs for times such as these. Maybe you can help with a donation, or find out how you and your dog can become involved.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• Introduction to Avalanche Rescue Dogs (1st Special Response  Group)
• Avalanche Dogs (Seattle, WA)
• Squaw Dogs (Squaw Valley USA, California)
• Front Range Rescue Dogs (Boulder, CO)
• Colorado Avalanche Information Center (backcountry forecasts)
• Search and Rescue Dogs of Colorado (somewhat dated Web site)
• Rampart Search and Rescue (Adams County, CO)
• Douglas County Colorado SAR
• Alpine Rescue Team (Evergreen, CO)
• Outdoor Safety (Rocky Mt. Rescue Group, Boulder, CO)
• National Search and Rescue (NASAR)

AT THE LIBRARY

• Dog Heroes: Saving Lives and Protecting America, 2002 by Jen Bidner
• So That Others May Live: Caroline Heberd and Her Search and Rescue Dogs, 1995, by Hank Whittemore and Caroline Hebard

You might also enjoy these related articles by Denver Dynamic Dogs Examiner:

• Careers with dynamic dogs
• Dynamic dog books for kids: part one
• Dynamic dog books for kids: part two
• Dynamic dog books for kids: part three

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