Rescue Dogs
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| Canine Heroes |
| On average, it takes 1 1/2 to 2 years of training for a search and rescue dog team to become mission ready. |
Among the many heroes in the days and weeks following September 11 were search and rescue dogs. These dogs and their handlers were brought in from all over the country to help at the New York and Washington, D.C. disaster sites. Many people are not aware that the handlers of these dogs are not always law enforcement employees, but volunteers using their own dogs. These volunteers incur all costs including mileage, equipment, plane tickets and dog expenses. These volunteers must take time off from work, often drive thousands of miles a year, and spend 50 to100 hours per month in training and searches.
On average, it takes 1 1/2 to 2 years of training for a search and rescue dog team to become mission ready. For example, handlers initially train a dog in one of two disciplines, either trailing or area search. Trailing dogs are trained to follow the path that a lost person has taken. They most frequently work trails that are several days old. Area search dogs are trained to find any human scent in the area. They work most frequently off leash and can cover large areas.Other dogs are trained in more specialty areas: water search dogs work in boats and along the shore to locate scent as it emanates from the water. Cadaver dogs are trained to locate human tissue. Avalanche dogs are trained to find victims buried in snow, and disaster dogs are trained to locate victims that may be buried in the rubble of collapsed buildings.
Michael Hingson was on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. His yellow Labrador guide dog "Roselle" was sleeping peacefully under his desk when the first plane hit the tower just fifteen floors above. Roselle led him through the disheveled office and to the stairwell to begin the long descent. Although they didn't feel anything, Michael estimated that the second plane had struck the other tower when they were somewhere around the 50th floor. "By the time we reached the bottom, it had become very hard to breathe," he said. "We were both very hot and tired. Roselle was panting and wanted to drink the water that was pooled on the floor."
They continued walking away from the building. They were about two blocks away when Tower 2 began to collapse. "it sounded like a metal and concrete waterfall," he said. "We started running for the subway." Roselle remained focused on her work and Michael kept his commands simple. When they emerged and were making their way from the scene, Tower I toppled, showering them with ash and debris. Roselle guided him to the home of a friend in mid‑Manhattan where they stayed until finally they returned home to Michael's worried wife at 7 p.m. For more information on guide dogs, see www.guidedogs.com or call 1-800-295-4050.
PUPPY CLASSES!
WHO'S READY FOR PUPPY CLASS? Our next puppy classes start Jan. 24th and run through Feb. 28th, total of 6 sessions held every Tuesday evening @ 7:15pm in the lobby and doggie play area at our hospital. All puppies between the ages of 9 weeks and 6 months and those that have had at least 2 sets of vaccines are welcome! Teach your puppy basic obedience skills and commands, bond with your puppy and help them develope important life long social skills. Call or e-mail us for more information and to sign up. All 6 sessions are only $120. Please sign up early registration ends on Jan. 23rd. and space is limited. See you there! The number one reason dogs are given up is due to training or behavioral problems. Get your puppy started on the right foot in 2012!
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Doggie Day Care!
Help your dog beat the boredom blues while you're at work. Dogs enjoy playing and socializing with other dogs. We have indoor and outdoor play areas and can customize the experience for your dog based on your wishes and their individual needs. We also group our daycare dogs with similar sized dogs for fun and safe playtime.
Top Ten Reasons Your Dog Needs Doggie Day Care:
10. Lame meter readers, lawn care and pool service people who don't close gates to your fence.
9. Your dog can tell time and found out your 9-5 became 8-6.
8. A tired dog is a good dog.
7. The cat sent you a text that said he needs his space 3 times a week.
6. Nipping at the contractor's ankles won't help him meet his deadline.
5. Your dog found out speed dating is all the rage.
4. 5 naps a day is overrated.
3. Chasing squirrels with friends is way more fun.
2. Your dog loves to brag to his facebook friends......it's good to be ME!
1. Air conditioned play area, large secure fenced yard, toys, lots of love and good friends..............priceless.
Call Today For More Information! 817-478-8000.