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| � About Search and Rescue Assist The K9 Handlers are referred to as K9 Specialists and their dedication and perseverance is remarkable. Training begins the day the K9 puppies come home and doesn�t stop until they are retired. Very strict standards are adhered to and getting a K9 operational / mission ready can take years. Regular training must take place and as the K9 masters its local training area (usually a pile of rubble or partially collapsed building) it must be exposed to new and different ones as often as possible. These dogs are very intelligent and in a very short time will remember every nook and cranny at a rubble site. Once that happens the site must be rearranged and new rubble brought in. After that is completed the site is still "home" for that K9. It knows the area and is comfortable with the sounds, smells and surroundings. Experienced handlers know even the most confidant, seasoned K9�s will need regular training at locations they have never been to so that when the next disaster strikes they will work well in the midst of the chaos. Simulating disasters by building sites out of rubble from demolished buildings and construction debris is very time consuming and expensive but it is possible. Simulating the extreme pressure and stress of a real disaster is impossible. Men, women and children screaming for help in finding their buried loved ones takes its toll on the handlers and canines. Have you ever heard the phrase, "The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife" ? Canines can smell and sense when those around them are under stress, they are particularly in tune with their handlers who will also be under a great deal of stress since lives will be on the line. We can prepare to the best of our ability for that day but without constant traveling and training it will be impossible. Unfortunately sites that meet the needs of these special teams are not always in close proximity to one another. Teams on the West Coast will have better sites and more of them due to the earthquake activity they cope with. Teams on the East Coast have to make due with what they can find or build. By traveling the K9�s are gaining experience in several ways. Working new and different sites gives the K9 valuable working experience needed to build strong skills. By travelling you are exposing it (and the handler) to the stress of being away from home. Those of you out there with dogs as pets know that they sleep a great deal of the time. Take that dog away from home and you will notice it become very alert. Its activity level will increase dramatically while its comfort level will decrease. K9�s not used to this will tire quickly and wont be as effective. Regular training that involves travelling is the only way to work through this. Airfare, lodging, rental vehicles and meals add up very quickly. Most of us have planned a vacation at one time or another. A recent trip a K9 Handler went on was for a training seminar in Phoenix, Arizona. The trip lasted for 5 days. Expenses incurred were over $800.00. This was flying coach, staying in an average hotel and did not include the rental vehicle which was paid for by another handler from a different team. The experience gained was incredible but it was at a hefty cost. Equipment needed for this work is extensive. Kennels, training aids, communication equipment and K9 / Handler safety items such as helmets, vision / hearing protection, vests, specially designed boots and clothing are just the beginning. Have we mentioned Veterinarian bills? Injuries to both handlers and K9�s while training are unfortunate but do happen. The costs are continually adding up and given the fact that most of the K9 Specialists do this on their own time and at their own expense in addition to family and work obligations it is easy to see how difficult times can get. Enter Search And Rescue Assist Inc. Through donations by private individuals such as yourself and business� we hope to raise money continually through the years to help offset some of these expenses and thereby increase the quality of these dedicated teams. Seach and Rescue Assist, Inc. has Federal Tax Exempt Status under 501�(3) guidelines. Please feel free to look about our site and contact us with any questions. Thank you very much for your time and concern. Remember, the next life saved could be your own! � |
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For more information contact: [email protected] or use our contact form.
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