The K9 Search and Rescue Association (K9SARA) of the Western Cape was part of the 4×4 Outdoor and Adventure Expo to demonstrate the dogs’ prowess, but also to make the public aware that they can and should become involved – a bit like the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
The expo was held at the Elgin Grabouw Sports Club from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 November.
The training of the special skills of each dog was demonstrated and explained. Some dogs sniff out cadavers, others focus on living people and others on living people in general. The dogs sniffing for living people will ignore the dead and the other way round.
This training takes a lot of dedication on the part of the dog handlers, who are all volunteers. The process literally takes years.
The organisation also needs people to help train the dogs – not dog trainers, but people who would love to spend some time sitting under a tree (reading a book) and who would love to play with the dog as soon as the dog has managed to find them.
If you would like to join as a dog handler, you don’t need to have a dog to start off with; sometimes it is better to start without a dog and by the time you are ready, they will help find the right dog for you.
You can volunteer to become a dog handler, sponsor or donate to the cause online at www.k9sara.co.za. Donations can involve dog food or other needed items as well as cash.
When they go to a disaster, like the George building collapse, for example, they need money for fuel, accommodation and food for the dogs and themselves.
K9SARA are available for missing, lost and disaster searches around-the-clock, nationally. The units can only be deployed by Metro EMS, the police, ARCC and WASAR.
K9SARA-SA is not about training your dog; it’s about being available for rescues 24/7.
The dog will get it quite quickly, as it’s like a fun game for them, but for the handlers, it is about dedication. A call-out will never come at a convenient time and all costs not sponsored are borne by the volunteers.
