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Celebrating International Dog Day: Honouring Our Canine Heroes
Celebrating International Dog Day: Honouring our canine heroes
Published on
On International Dog Day, we pay tribute to the remarkable journey of Michonne, a dedicated Search and rescue dog. Michonne's story is one of dedication, forged through rigorous training and a strong bond with her handler, Susana. Attendees of the recent Civil Protection forum may recognise Michonne as the dog who took part in the STBernard demonstration of search and rescue techniques.
By Knowledge Network – Staff member
From Energetic Pup to Courageous Hero
Transitioning from an energetic young pup to a brave hero, Michonne, a mix of German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd, began her journey at the Spanish School of Rescue and Detection with Dogs (ESDP) at just one and a half years old. Initially trained in explosives detection, Michonne later excelled in search and rescue missions, thanks to her natural abilities.
Susana quickly recognised Michonne's unique qualities. Despite occasional bouts of restlessness, Michonne's deep connection with Susana and her commitment to duty distinguished her as an exceptional search dog.
The intensive training regimen at ESDP played a crucial role in shaping Michonne into an elite rescue dog. Her weekly routine included search exercises, obedience training sessions and physical conditioning. This training not only focused on building physical strength but also on sharpening her focus, tuning out distractions, and pinpointing those in need.
"Michonne compensates her occasional lack of concentration in stressful situations with an excellent bond and an inexhaustible desire to work," Susana shares, reflecting on the unique qualities that make Michonne an outstanding rescue dog.
Alongside rigorous training, staying physically active through activities like swimming and running with Susana helped Michonne build up her endurance and strength. These shared moments not only kept Michonne in top shape but also strengthened the special connection between her and Susana, proving vital during their joint missions.
Throughout search missions, Michonne faced diverse challenges. One particular mission stands out, where Michonne kept returning to an area amidst rubble without making any noise. Susana, intrigued by this behaviour, decided to investigate further and discovered a deceased victim at the scene — a situation Michonne had never encountered before. This incident underscored the bond and effective communication between Michonne and Susana, which are crucial in their line of work.
Selecting the Right Dogs
The process of selecting dogs for rescue missions at ESDP is thorough and precise. Dogs of different breeds aged between 3 to 18 months are carefully chosen for this critical role. Every dog goes through a 7 to 10 day evaluation period to assess their connections, adaptability and natural instincts, ensuring they have the potential to thrive as rescuers.
Emphasising Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is a top priority for search and rescue dogs at ESDP. The organisation has established a Code of Ethics for dog handlers to ensure that dogs are treated respectfully and that their training is both effective and compassionate.
"Dogs play a crucial role in helping people cope with stress, especially in challenging situations," Susana mentions.
Once tasks are completed, dogs like Michonne are given time to rest and recover both physically and mentally. This includes receiving care and spending quality time with their families, engaging in activities that bring them joy and relaxation. For instance, Michonne enjoys playing fetch, swimming and joining in games like hide and seek with the children in her family.
Handlers also rely on this emotional connection, especially when separated from their families for extended periods. "Dogs always have a kind gesture and are ready to play with you at any time, helping in distraction, which is essential in situations of prolonged stress”, shares Susana
As fatigue sets in during missions, this bond becomes even more crucial. Michonne draws motivation from her trust in Susana to persevere, underscoring the deep connection they share in their partnership.
A Longstanding Connection
Susana has dedicated her life to training and working alongside search and rescue dogs, with Michonne being the sixth dog she has partnered with.
Their journey together is a true testament to the trust and support they've built over the years while facing various challenges side by side. "I have been president of the Spanish School of Rescue with Dogs since 1999," Susana says, reflecting on her long-standing commitment to the field.
Their relationship extends beyond professional boundaries. Michonne lives with Susana, accompanying her in daily activities and enjoying family life.
The Enduring Impact of ESDP
Established in 1999, the Spanish School of Rescue and Detection with Dogs (ESDP) has played a pivotal role in preparing handlers and rescue dogs for emergency situations. The school's comprehensive training programs, recognised as industry benchmarks by the National School of Civil Protection, draw upon instructors’ extensive expertise gained from international rescue missions.
The legacy continues.
Michonne’s journey exemplifies the commitment, training, and bond that characterise the work of rescue dogs and their handlers. Through their dedication, lives are saved, and hope is renewed in times of crisis. On this International Dog Day, Michonne stands as a beacon of the contributions made by search and rescue dogs worldwide.
As Michonne nears retirement, a new chapter begins with Sakura, a Belgian Malinois Shepherd, joining Susana's family. Susana remains hopeful that Sakura will carry on Michonne's legacy by continuing to save lives. Michonne's path showcases the dedication, training and connection that define the efforts of search and rescue dogs and their handlers.
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About the author
The Knowledge Network – Staff member
The Knowledge Network editorial team is here to share the news and stories of the Knowledge Network community. We'd love to hear your news, events and personal stories about your life in civil protection and disaster risk management. If you've got a story to share, please contact us.