Rescue dog

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Rescue dog has various meanings:

• A large dog that has been trained to physically rescue humans from disasters. Three notable breeds of rescue dog are the St. Bernard (which specializes in rescuing humans who have become trapped in snow in the Alps), the Newfoundland (which specializes in rescuing humans who have fallen off boats), and the Bernese Mountain Dog.

• A search and rescue dog, who works with a handler to find missing persons or animals or to find and help dig out victims of disasters such as earthquakes. (See also search and rescue.) See Search and Rescue Dog Association UK Lake District

In the UK search dogs have been used for at least 30 years in the various Search and Rescue Dog Associations. The origins of SARDA owe a great deal to one man, Hamish MacInnes, who, as leader of Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team, was invited by the International Red Cross to attend a training course for avalanche dogs in Engleberg, Switzerland. There he saw the work of the Swiss Alpine Club in using the dog’s natural scenting ability to locate humans buried under the avalanche debris. He saw immediately that this work could be adapted to meet search and rescue needs in the UK, although a more versatile approach would be required to suit the varying demands of the British operation.

When he returned, he began to train his two German shepherd dogs, Rangi and Tiki with impressive results. In December 1964, he held a pilot course in Glencoe, inviting six handlers and their dogs. The results were so encouraging that in May 1965, he held a meeting at his house which resulted in the formation of the Search and Rescue Dogs Association, as an adjunct of the Mountain Rescue Service. In December of that year, handlers from Scotland, England and Wales attended the first training course at Glencoe.

The Association grew in membership, and with its growth came a gradual acceptance of the value of the Search Dog Teams as part of an overall mountain rescue search capability, and an understanding of their special abilities. In November 1977, as a result of a members referendum, it was decided to split SARDA into three Associations, representing England, Scotland and Wales. In 1983, the All Ireland SARDA was formed, and in 1992, SARDA UK Lake District became an autonomous association in its own right. Scotland operates as two associations, SARDA Southern Scotland, and SARDA Scotland.

• A dog that has been rescued from possible euthanasia in an animal shelter, that has been rescued from an abusive or severely neglectful home, or that is simply no longer wanted by its owner (the most common reason); usually these dogs are placed in new homes with new owners, possibly after evaluation and rehabilitation by rescue groups or foster homes.

Most animal shelter rescue dogs are adult dogs, often mixed breed, or from breeds which can sometimes make demanding house pets, such as border collies and jack russell terriers. While many have excellent temperaments and make superb family pets, some have behaviour problems or health issues that mean they are unsuitable for rehoming. Certain rescue centres specifically provide for the life long care of these vulnerable dogs, and may invite the public to "sponsor a dog" in its care.

One of the largest and most amenable group of rescue dogs are the retired greyhounds, and lurchers (sighthound, usually greyhound, crosses). Greyhounds and lurchers, being sprinters not marathon runners, tend to be quiet and lazy "40 mile per hour couch potatos". Contrary to popular belief, they need less exercise than most other breeds, and they are gentle, and very affectionate. Some have to wear muzzles when they are out because of their strong chase instinct and the fact that unlike most dogs they are fast enough to catch whatever small furry creature they spot. (They have excellent eyesight). But as a group rescue sighthounds are not aggressive at all, in fact they are generally rather timid.

Most rescue dogs are insecure, and on being rehomed will follow their owners everywhere, even to the bathroom. Separation anxiety can be a problem, but is treatable. Many dog owners, who in the course of their lives have owned both cross breed rescue dogs and pedigrees purchased from breeders, find that it is the cross breed rescue dogs who display the most character, endear themselves most to their owners, and live the longest.

Small dogs, young dogs and puppies, and of course attractive dogs are often the first to be rehomed. Older dogs, large dogs and dogs with behaviour issues may be overlooked. Black dogs, are almost always overlooked at the shelters.

Dog Rescue Directories Listings of dogs in shelters needing homes [http://www.needfulsouls.orgwww.needfulsouls.org