Honoring the search and rescue dogs of Haiti
I've had my bags packed and my kitchen table mounded with gear since the earthquake in Haiti two weeks ago, when I was alerted to the possible need for veterinarians.
I'm a member of the National Veterinary Response Team (NVRT), and we are frequently deployed to provide veterinary care for Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs and cadaver dogs during long term missions. Sadly, this mission is ending, even with the exciting news that a survivor was pulled from the wreckage today.
According to the FEMA fact sheet on SAR dogs, FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) canine handlers are mostly civilians, as well as firefighters and police department members. Most of the certified canines are Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, Belgian Malinois, Border Collies and Golden Retrievers.
These are dogs and handlers who have dedicated their lives to training for and responding to disasters wherever they occur. Each dog represents thousands of dollars and hours of training and certification.
The site where 3 Haitian girls were found alive after SAR dogs alerted searchers.
Photo | Search Dog Foundation
Forty-seven US&R teams from around the world responded in Haiti, including six from the United States. Approximately 1,500 personnel and 115 dogs rescued 122 people, according to UN figures.
The most common health concerns for these dogs while they are working are dehydration, foot injuries from the rubble pile and nasal inflammation from dust. Keeping them working long hours is crucial to survivors' rescue. To find out more go to SearchDogFoundation.org.
Cathy Theisen is a house call veterinarian in the Ann Arbor area, with 23 years experience in small animal medicine and surgery. Visit her Web site at www.cathythevet.net. You can e-mail her at cathythevet@comcast.net.