Mounted search and rescue

[Pennbo's <pennbo@verizon.net>]

I wonder if you could use the collapsible crates and put one in a 
pannier for travel? Of course you would have to have a high probability 
of use in order to include it in your gear and you'd have to have some 
hefty sized panniers. Equal weight and balance would be of the utmost 
importance. This set-up could include small to moderate sized dogs but 
probably not large dogs. Just wondering if this might work.

Our unit has discussed this issue before but we have no experience with 
it. At current time if needs be we have discussed having the handler (if 
they have riding experience) or an experienced rider ride holding the 
animal across their lap. Training is of course still the key as well as 
the reason the dog needs transport. A true emergency would be handled 
quite differently than a case of exhaustion or sore paws. Could a mild 
tranq be given to a dog in such a situation so as to make it more 
managable for the rider?

Chris Pennington