Search and Rescue Dog Heroes

Children's Literature - Carlee Hallman

A fifteen year old boy is lost in a New Jersey state park. Radar, a German shepherd, arrives with a police officer. Radar searches the air for a scent. He barks when he has located the boy. Since the 1970's search and rescue dogs have been used to locate victims of various disasters in the United States. German shepherds, golden retrievers, and Labrador retrievers are successful in search and rescue (SAR). For SAR K-9 teams both the dogs and the handlers require special training. Then they must pass a test. When the dog is on the job he wears a flat collar with an identification tag. The dog can follow a scent in the air, on a trail, or on a path. When the dog retires, he most often continues to live with his handler. "Search and rescue dogs can make the difference between life and death." Some tips before going into the woods: take a buddy, use a GPS (Global Positioning System), carry a cell phone, and tell someone where you are going. If you get lost: stay calm, stay put, keep warm and dry, and choose a place where searchers can see you. Stunning photographs enhance the text. This is one of the "Amazing Working Dogs with American Humane" series. There is a glossary, index, and lists for further reading and Internet addresses. Kids will enjoy reporting on these dogs. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman