A talk at the October General Assembly by Susie Pearson and Leona on the man trailing dog search and rescue group, Jalon.
Members who attended the October General Assembly enjoyed a very interesting and informative talk by Susie Pearson, a u3a Vall del Pop member and volunteer with the man trailing dog search and rescue team based in Jalon.
You may not be aware there is one and it is, in fact, the only registered team of it´s kind in Spain, having fought a long administrative battle to get recognised and approved for several reasons, one being the authority in Alicante could not understand that everyone was a non paid volunteer! It´s aim is to locate lost persons who possibly suffer from dementia or who have simply got themselves lost on a walk or fallen and cannot raise the alarm.
Susie was accompanied by her gorgeous Rottweiler dog Leona, who is not only the star of the team, but also won the hearts of members!
Susie explained that the team was started two years ago by Muriele (who some members may know from Jose´s veterinary practice in Jalon) who has lead teams throughout the world. Dogs are tested as they need to want to work with their noses and currently there are 7 dogs and 9 owners who form the team. The dogs include Leona, a Malinois, a half Mastin, 2 podenco/pointer crosses, a cockerdoodle and a small cross breed called Muppet!
They train every Sunday, 1 handler to one dog, and they work on a 10 metre lead and harness, they are not free running, so it calls for a level of fitness and stamina by the handlers! They cover all situations and all terrains including mountain work, urban work, old buildings and shopping centres where they may be called up on to search for lost or abducted children. Susie explained that the dog is the expert and is in charge and the most appropriate dog is chosen for each terrain.
The team can be called out by the Guardia, the bomberos and the Protection Civil, so if a loved one should go missing the police should be the first port of call.
Susie gave examples of where the dogs had helped to locate missing persons by scent trailing and also the lessons they had learnt, for example how a rescue helicopter landing can obliterate the scent or a strong breeze can blow the scent into the surrounding area. Interestingly most people who wander away from home are found within a 2km radius so most training sessions focus on this distance. Also the dogs don’t have to be social with other dogs as they work alone, but they must be willing to work.
They cannot be used in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees so then they will trail at dawn or dusk. They can work in the dark and in rain and, in fact, damp conditions are favourable as they allow the scent to rise.
The team is not a charity but is a registered organisation and can accept charity donations. Currently they have a need for walkie talkies to communicate effectively when on a search and Chris Barrett suggested we may be able to help towards these from Goodwill funds. You never know when any of us may need their help.
At members´ request we hope Susie, Muriele and Leona will come back to another meeting next year to tell us more.
