Over a dozen countries with dog rescue teams flew almost immediately to Turkey and Syria following the recent devastating earthquakes. The dogs will work to help find survivors, then recover non-survivors. Over thirty countries so far have offered aid to Turkey and Syria.

The dogs are trained for disaster scenarios, nothing can match canine skills for finding people over a wide area in the least amount of time. They air scent the presence of live humans and can hear the slightest sounds. Some survivors can be too weak to make themselves heard. The dogs excitedly indicate to their handlers when someone is alive and buried, they show where to excavate with precision. Dogs are trained for a year or more at demolition sites, learning to walk on seesaws and ladders. Search and rescue dogs are often the unsung heroes of earthquake victims.
It is critical to find trapped people within the first 72 hours after an earthquake, as the survival rate without water and medical attention drops sharply after that. There is also the risk of hypothermia for those trapped, as freezing temperatures sweep the area. Searching dogs usually receive a rest after a few hours of intensive work but if teams do not have back-up, they keep on searching. The Swiss emergency rescue teams are recognised as the best in the world for finding people trapped under rubble, mud or snow.
At least one veterinarian is present and on call 24 hours a day with dog teams. Some dogs wear protective equipment and booties to prevent their paws from being injured by shards of metal and glass.
Searching for dead bodies is a sombre job, the pervasive scent of death can cause rescue dogs to become depressed because they are trained and rewarded to find signs of life. A dog that locates a dead body will quietly raise a paw or tap at the ground. Some dogs become so depressed that their handlers will sometimes stage a success to keep up a dog’s spirit.
All animals deserve an advocate or voice to make sure they are valued and treated well. And no other animal serves humanity in such diverse ways and areas as canines. Most military and other working dog organisations honour their canines with awards, medals, a retirement plan and formal funerals. But for canines in the civilian world, the priority for their wellbeing is very low, insignificant. Governments are failing ‘man’s best friend.’
Pam Brandis,
Dip. Canine Prac.