To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] K-9 Evac on horseback
Date: Sun, 25 Mar 2007 16:09:53 -0700
From: "Pennbo's" <pennbo@verizon.net>
I suspect that in a real emergency a SAR dog would be helo'd out just as
human SAR personnel would be.
Chris Pennington
Agreed ... assuming a chopper is available and weather is suitable to fly.
Sometimes a dog is simply tired (perhaps unaccustomed to higher elevation),
or has sore feet. For a more minor health problem, using MSAR for transport
is very viable. Consider taking along an extra saddled horse to also
transport the handler, and be prepared to pony.
Prior training for the handler to be an "educated passenger" is invaluable,
and can be performed during the same training when dogs are oriented to
being transported, then repeated during refresher training. If that handler
is an experienced rider, the smaller dog may be more comfortable riding with
the handler, but the handler should be at least in the immediate vicinity
during the transport.
~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
SAR & CERT
Mounted SAR
www.ceoates.com/msar