Canine SAR, life and death what it's like when it is up to you and your dog, part six

November 10, 9:16 AMNational Pets ExaminerSusan Bulanda

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the National Pets Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Read about all types of searches in this book
sb

This is the last installment about canine search and rescue. Please be sure to read parts 1 - 5 and I hope you have enjoyed the series.

The following stories depict what it’s like to do search and rescue missions with your dog. All characters are fictitious. Incidents are based on actual searches. The lessons given at the end of each story are all too real. This award winning article first appeared in the July/August, 1992 edition of Good Dog Magazine.

The man was old and had a hard time staying in touch with reality. He often lived in his worn world in the past. He had a history of wandering away from home on imaginary trips to work, the market or to visit friends.
His family was having a difficult time trying to decide if he should be in a nursing home or not. They loved him but could not supervise or keep him safe anymore.
One day he walked away and did not come back.
The family looked for him but he was not in any of his usual places. A massive search was called to look for the man and teams from all over the area came to assist. People of all ethnic backgrounds and walks of life joined in, professional and volunteer. The search was calm and well-orchestrated, with searchers working together. Each one contributed his area of expertise to the effort. The tension was high as the urgency increased with each passing hour.
A major highway snaked through the area and everyone was concerned for the man’s safety.
The Salvation Army’s portable canteen provided food and drinks to hungry rescue personnel. The Army National Guard set up tents which provided shelter from the weather. Searchers took the time during rests to discuss strategy, swap stories and technology.
On the second shift, the man was found peacefully sleeping on a park bench one mile away from home. He was a little cold and hungry, but otherwise OK.
The feeling of joy and relief was evident at the base. Everyone had a smile on their face as they packed up their gear to go home. The laughter was light with joy for the found victim. Even the dogs seemed relieved.

The gratification and camaraderie felt on a search, especially with a live “find,” is heaven.

If you have enjoyed this series consider the book, Ready to Serve, Ready to Save: Strategies of Real Life Search and Rescue Missions. Read more about the books here:

http://www.sbulanda.com/books.htm

To read part one go to:

http://www.examiner.com/x-24127-National-Pets-Examiner~y2009m10d16-Canine -Search-and-Rescue-life-and-death-what-its-like-when-it-is-up-to-you-and- your-dog-part-one

Part two:

http://www.examiner.com/x-24127-National-Pets-Examiner~y2009m10d20-Canine -Search-and-Rescue-life-and-death-what-its-like-when-it-is-up-to-you-and- your-dog-part-two

Part three:

http://www.examiner.com/x-24127-National-Pets-Examiner~y2009m10d26-Canine -SAR-life-and-death-what-its-like-when-it-is-up-to-you-and-your-dog-part- three

Part four:

http://www.examiner.com/x-24127-National-Pets-Examiner~y2009m11d1-Canine- SAR-life-and-death-what-its-like-when-it-is-up-to-you-and-your-dog-part-four

Part five:

http://www.examiner.com/x-24127-National-Pets-Examiner~y2009m11d6-Canine- SAR-life-and-death-what-its-like-when-it-is-up-to-you-and-your-dog-part-five