Meet Davey, a remarkable search and rescue dog who has been awarded for his life-saving efforts during the devastating earthquakes in Turkey this year. This six-year-old Springer Spaniel has been serving with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) for nearly five years, showcasing his bravery and dedication.

Davey’s Journey: Davey’s journey began in 2018 when he was surrendered to Dogs Trust in Shoreham as a one-year-old puppy. Although his energetic temperament made him unsuitable as a pet, his unique pers onality showed potential for a different purpose. Recognizing that he needed a fulfilling role to meet his physical and mental needs, Dogs Trust reached out to dog handler Lindsay Sielski, a UK International Search and Rescue (ISAR) Canine Team Lead.

Training and Development: Lindsay, a firefighter with LFRS since 2006, embarked on a training program with Davey and ISAR to transform him into a search and rescue dog. Despite his boisterous nature, Davey’s lovely temperament shone through. With proper training and his needs fulfilled, Davey became an exceptional dog who lived alongside Lindsay’s family while working alongside her and other search dogs.

International Deployment: In February, Davey embarked on his first international deployment to Turkey following the devastating earthquakes. Working tirelessly, Davey searched through approximately 40 buildings each day, aiming to find survivors trapped in the rubble. During the 10-day deployment, the UK ISAR team successfully rescued eight people, with Davey playing a crucial role in saving two of them.

Davey’s Remarkable Rescues: One of Davey’s notable rescues involved finding a woman after an arduous nine-hour search. Additionally, while the team was rescuing a trapped family, Davey’s dedic ation led him to fixate on a crack in a wall. This focus paid off when it was discovered that someone had been successfully rescued from that very spot where Davey had been continuously barking.

Ongoing Work: Back in the UK, Davey primarily assists with explosive situations and aids the police in locating high-risk missing individuals. Often working alongside Sidney, another exceptional search dog, they form a powerful duo capable of tackling various scenarios, whether it be a high-risk missing person case or responding to natural disasters internationally.

Recognition and Awards: To honor his outstanding contributions as a search and rescue dog, Davey received a special accolade at the International Fund for Animal Welfare Awards (IFAW). At the prestigious Animal Action Awards event, Davey was recognized for his remarkable achievements in saving lives following Turkey’s devastating earthquakes.

The Impact of Davey’s Work: Lindsay expressed immense pride in Davey’s accomplishments and acknowledged the invaluable role that working dogs like him play in supporting search and rescue teams worldwide. Shannon Walajtys, IFAW’s Director of Disaster Response and Risk Reduction, highlighted the significance of Davey’s work, emphasizing that his efforts saved lives and demonstrated the mutual benefit between humans and animals in disaster situations.

Conclusion: Davey, the rescue dog turned rescuer, continues to inspire with his unwavering determination and unwavering commitment to saving lives. His heroic actions serve as a testament to the remarkable bond between humans and animals. Let us celebrate Davey’s well-deserved recognition and express our gratitude for the selfless work performed by all working dogs in search and rescue operations.