Michigan Search and Rescue
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See LIVE DogDay 2010 Photos here: http://flickr.com/villagegreen
Michigan Search and Rescue is an all volunteer missing person's response team serving Michigan and the Great Lakes Region. Canine Teams are available 24/7 and there is never a charge for our services.
"This team is an asset that can benefit any agency dealing with a missing or lost person." - Sheriff Dwain Dennis, Ionia County, Michigan
Dogs have a far better ability to smell than do humans and they can pick up the scent of a missing person from a distance and if that person happens to be covered by brush or other materials that would prevent locating a person visually.
The dogs consider searching their favorite 'game' just as do dogs who love to chase a ball or Frisbee. Finding what they're looking for brings a reward - generally either a food treat or a toy.
Training a search dog takes anywhere from 12 to 24 months depending on the specialty and the age of the dog when the training begins. Our team prefers to start dogs before their second birthday and requires dogs to be 15 inches at the shoulder when fully grown. Any breed can do this job - the individual dog must have the personality, temperament, drive, interest and stamina to do it over long periods of time as many searches last hours - possibly days. Canine teams are certified both in-house and through NAPWDA.
Dogs work until it becomes necessary for them to retire whether due to age related infirmities or due to a loss of interest in performing the job. When they retire they continue to be the handler's pet, often continuing to take part in demonstrations and community programs.
Handlers must complete a training program that includes map and compass, lost person behavior, crime scene preservation, radio protocols, basics of scent and they must be willing to spend time 'hiding' for other dogs - often in cramped, uncomfortable situations.
Neiko - will be the 3 yr old Australian Shepherd that is performing the Search and Rescue Presentation with Julie Johnston - He's a certified therapy dog with TDI and has his Canine Good Citizen. He's participated in children's reading programs and visits youth detention centers as part of his therapy work. He competes in freestyle Frisbee and is currently working on his search and rescue certification to become a wilderness air scent dog for Michigan Search and Rescue (http://www.michigansar.org/)
