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This article was published 18/1/2010 (3907 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES Corp. Yann Gallic of France leads his search dog through the rubble of the Montana Hotel in Port-au-Prince on Friday. The pair located survivors amid the collapsed hotel.

Unlike many stories that cause us to do little more than shake our heads, Haiti's earthquake has shaken the world.

Stoic news broadcaster voices' crack as they announce situations better suited to horror fiction than real life. Whether it's a mother who has lost all five of her children, hundreds of dead bodies filling open ditches or orphaned children facing looters trying to steal dwindling supplies, the painful stories are unfortunately plentiful.

Since last Tuesday's 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the world has pulled together to send help. One of the most effective and universally favoured forms of assistance is the search and rescue dog. Countries from Ireland to Taiwan have sent their teams to seek survivors from beneath the rubble. It's a vital but gruesome job.

A Fox News report explained that one SAR dog is considered to be the equivalent to 30-40 humans. And CNN noted that a dog can accomplish in 10 minutes what takes humans two to three hours. Dogs' great sense of smell is one of the reasons why they're a wonderful rescue tool. This, along with their light weight and nimble step, allows canines to traverse terrain to which humans and machines are ill-suited. It's a dangerous job, too. Unstable cement shards, unrecognizable debris and sharp rebar make sureness-of-foot imperative.

Canadian dog teams, like the five from the Canadian Search and Disaster Dog Association, have been sent to Haiti. The United Nations contacts groups like the CSADDA within minutes of international disasters. It enables them to better prepare for possible deployment.

Working in tandem with other relief services, canine rescue teams have been the first line of assistance in Haiti. A few American teams readied themselves to leave within hours of hearing of the crisis.

Finding dogs suited to this work isn't simple. Most dogs tend to be Labradors, Collies, Retrievers and German Shepherds. All of America's Search Dog Foundation's canines are found in local shelters. So, before they're trained to rescue humans these dogs were rescued themselves.

Having met handlers who've been involved in rural Manitoba's search and rescue operations, I've seen first hand what these dogs can do. They're talented. Just because a dog's sense of smell is fantastic, harnessing this ability isn't easy. A dog and volunteer work together as a team. They train for two years to acquire certification. And they retain a daily commitment to stay sharp and in shape. These handlers know that they play a vital role in saving lives.

Training varies slightly around the world. Manitoba Search and Rescue is mainly rural based. Among many other skills, it focuses upon tracking, water rescue and snow training. Other groups, however, highlight urban search operations. Manitoba's Urban Search and Rescue would typically be better suited to disasters like Haiti's. The dogs are trained to sift through pancaked cement structures.

A Toronto Star article noted that provincial units from Heavy Urban Search and Rescue were recently told to stand down for the Haitian crisis. No reason was given for the order. Bloggers question whether this has something to do with maintaining readiness for the upcoming Olympics. Nevertheless, sending them now might offer little help. The reason for that might be linked to something reported in the article itself: the survival rate five days into a crisis, like Haiti's, is seven per cent. We're now at Day 7.

A great concern facing humanitarian groups is Haiti's airport in Port-au-Prince. It's overloaded. Some planes have been either refused clearance to land or have been diverted to the Dominican Republic. From there, aid has been sent by truck over rough roads. This has complicated aid efforts.

The UN News Centre reported, "More than 70 people pinned by debris have been found alive, a record number for urban search-and-rescue operations following an earthquake."

But the hope of finding survivors is diminishing. As time elapses, this mission will quickly turn into recovery mode. The work that these dogs and handlers volunteered to provide has been crucial. Unfortunately, many will likely forget these six-legged teams once the tales of survival fade.

It's important to remember that some of the search and rescue operations in North America are non-profit. Training for these situations is not only time-consuming, but costly. Without those who've donated to rescue organizations, some of this work wouldn't have been possible.

Dogs have simple needs. They have no prejudice or political bias. They live to serve. The Canadian Search and Rescue Dog website displays a poignant motto, written in Latin: Fide Canem. This means, trust the dog. Never have so many needed to place their trust in rescue dogs. Let's hope we humans continue to follow their lead.

Pet Calendar:

D'Arcy's A.R.C (Animal Rescue Centre) is holding its 6th Annual All-you-can eat "Paw"sta Dinner, Saturday, Feb. 6. It'll be held at Deer Lodge Community Centre (323 Bruce Ave.). Tickets: adults $10, children $5.

There will be two seatings: 5 p.m -7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Seating is limited. A silent auction and live comedy entertainment with also be available. For tickets or further information contact, D'Arcy's A.R.C. at 888-2266 or www.darcysarc.ca

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The Winnipeg Humane Society is opening registration for winter 2010 sessions of the Mini Kid's Club (ages 7-11) and the Pet Partners Club (ages 12-15). At Mini Kids Club children learn and practise safety while exploring pet care and responsible pet ownership. Classes run Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. from Feb. 20 to March 13.

At Pet Partners Club young teens share their ideas while participating in a team project designed to benefit our community and the animals that live here. Classes run every second Sunday from 12 - 1:30 p.m. from Jan. 24 to March 21.

Both classes require advanced registration. The fee is $32. To register contact the education office at 982-2046 or education@humanesociety.mb.ca.

char.adam@mts.net

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