Last week's tragic earthquake in Haiti took the lives of thousands. While most of the people trapped in the rubble did not survive, some were found alive. For this, we can thank brave search and rescue teams from all over the world. Over 50 international search and rescue teams consisting of more than 1700 people and about 175 dogs responded to the Haiti earthquake. These heroes are responsible for saving the lives of more than 70 people.
Search and rescue dogs are invaluable to these types of rescue missions. Their agile bodies make it possible for them to climb onto the rubble and maneuver unsteady surfaces. With an incredible sense of smell and acute hearing, these wonder-dogs can detect the presence of people in situations where we humble humans never could. A crucial part to their training is a technique called "air sniffing," which can be far more affective than following a scent trail on ground. Equally important is the strong bond a rescue dog shares with its handler. The two train together vigorously for years to become a successful search and rescue team.
Sadly, search efforts in Haiti are tapering off, as fewer people are presumed alive. However, many search and rescue teams remain, hoping to find survivors who have beaten the odds. I hope they are successful. Overall, I thank each and every rescue worker and search dog for showing selfless bravery in the face of tragedy.
Photo: Search And Rescue Team Prepares To Deploy For Haiti Earthquake Aftermath, © David McNew/Getty Images
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My name is Jasmine..
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Love, Jasmine Noelle Smith
Thanks!
Thanks for this great post, Jenna. Also, if I may, a new coalition of animal welfare organizations has been created to help the animals of Haiti — it’s called Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) — and participants include the ASPCA, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). The ASPCA has a page on that here, with links to the latter two organizations, where they are accepting donations for relief:
http://www.aspca.org/news/help-the-animals-of-haiti.html
In a crisis like this, people must come first. But with efforts by governments and a multitude of groups, there are plenty of places to show your financial support for humanitarian relief. But the animals come next, and they will definitely be needing the help. So, dig just a little bit more them.
Please compile and publish a list of the names of the dogs who served in Haiti. Want to send thank you.
Annette
I would also love a listing of dogs and where they are from so Thank Yous can be sent.
It’s an amazing, wonderful thing these dogs and their handlers do.
Lisa
What is the eye? Everyone has them, but few people really know anything about how they work or how they should care for them. Our eyes are how we view the world. Keep yours healthy. I found a great article you and your readers may find interesting.
http://www.whatistheeye.wordpress.com
These dogs provide a great service.
Search and Rescue dogs are truly amazing animals. Their talents, loyalty and perseverance are beyond compare. Hats off to to these incredible canines, and thank you, Jenna, for highlighting their important efforts.
Hi Jenna,
Thanks for this post:) I am glad someone decided to post about the canine contribution in the Haiti search efforts. I guess that now these 175 dogs face quarantine (like Darcy who was lucky to have found supporters (http://shafali.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/caricature-darcy-the-border-collie-saved-from-quarantine-by-his-9000-supporters-on-facebook/) – otherwise six months is a long time in a dog’s life – and quarantining them for this period doesn’t sound very human.)
Licks n wags,
Oorvi
Wonder dogs indeed. Great job by both the dogs and their human handlers.
Hello everyone,
I was just wondering if a miniature schnauzer/terrier mix would be able to be a search and rescue dog. Are there certain breeds that can only do search and rescues? Thanks, Krissy