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Michonne

Celebrating International Dog Day: Honouring our canine heroes

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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.

 

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.

The bond between a handler and their dog can make the difference between success or failure in extreme situations. If the handler cannot correctly interpret what his dog is saying, he will not be able to make correct decisions during the work.

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.

In the same way that dogs seek support and comfort in situations that overwhelm them, guides rely on their dogs, especially because being away from our family in situations of high emotional stress, they are an extension of the home we long for.

Michonne is my sixth rescue dog, and she came into my hands by chance. She was bought by a Guardia Civil for explosives detection who had to change units and decided to look for someone who could continue working with Michonne and get the best out of her. That's how she came to me, and we joined paths to this day.

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.

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