National Search And Rescue Dog Association
Reg. Charity No. 1069110 |
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As Meaghaidh grew from day to day it became obvious that this sleek, pretty lady with a shining coat and long dark eyelashes and sad eyes was gradually coming between me and my husband.The dog had to be walked every morning and night come rain, snow or hail. Every Tuesday evening was training with other search dogs and one weekend each month they would both attend national SARDA training in the Lakes or Yorkshire etc. This always fell on weekends when we were expecting visitors or the inlaws - typical!
Finally having thought of putting an advert in the classified section for the paper. "Wanted - one man - no dog - to make a good husband must have no canine attachment!"
I decided if I can't beat them then I should join them. So off I went to Keswick one wet miserable February to body for the SARDA assessment. Having spent 6 hours a day, for 3 days in a bivy bag waiting to be found by search dogs and not being found at all I concluded that I was too cunning at hiding! This was definitely not for me.
We now have a 16 week old little boy who must be feeling rather like he doesn't know who his father is. He rarely sees him what with work and his dog. When he does see him he is usuually accompanied by his dog and the poor little fellow has to get used to wet licks from the dog, hairs on his clothes, toys going astray and weekends without his daddy. However I am sure when he ís older he will get his own back. He'll have lots of fun with the dog and I suppose they will be the best of friends maybe daddy will lose his dog to his son! (Oh no we are not having another dog though! And maybe I'll lose my son as well as my husband.
I know this account makes me sound like a bitter and jealous wife but I'm not really sure, my husband and the dog have an intense relationship but I accept that this is what is required if she is to qualify as a SARDA dog. I am proud of his dedication and hard work and will be equally as impressed as him if the dog does qualify.
I can't imagine life without the dog now she is certainly a part of our family and a special character with an important mission. The day she returns from a search knowing that she has saved some unfortunate being from the elements and from danger will make all the hard work and sacrifice seem worthwhile. (Even if the call out is halfway through a dinner party with friends and family).