Bad Nenndorf. Sleuths, rescuers and tireless companions – the rescue dogs of the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) are important partners in the search for missing people on land and on the water. The specially trained four-legged friends and their dog handlers are immediately there when human lives are at stake.
Kim Biemer and her dog 'Jamie' have been active in rescue dog work at the DLRG Saxony-Anhalt for nine years. The Rottweiler, who will celebrate his tenth birthday next year, has been part of the lifesaver association since he was a child – a commonality that the duo share: “Since my father is a swimming instructor, I became a seahorse at an early age. Over the years, I trained myself in first aid and started taking medical courses,” says the 31-year-old. “With my first dog of my own and my passion for volunteering, it made sense for me to combine the two.”
About five years ago, Kim completed her trainer license and has been training for the rescue dog team of the DLRG Benneckenstein local group ever since. “For us in the Harz, the focus is mainly on finding space,” explains Kim. The sniffers travel freely in the terrain and pick up human scent. In real operations, the rescue dog teams usually look for seniors or children suffering from dementia. Training in water, debris and avalanche searches is also possible. “You have to look at what the dog offers you and what it is best suited to. We build everything up in a playful way, but in the end it’s still serious work for the dog.”
Teamwork between two and four-legged friends
The training of dog handlers and rescue dogs takes two years. “I meet up with the others at least once a week, usually in a forest area. “Here, every dog receives their own personal training,” says the 31-year-old. Kim is currently training six dogs – a demanding number for a volunteer position. “Sometimes interested people come, but most are surprised at how much work and qualifications are necessary to form a real rescue team.” It’s not just the dogs that have to be fit: their handlers also go through various tests. The curriculum includes the correct use of a map and compass as well as lifeguard and medical training. Finally, Kim checks the pair together as a team. The test has to be repeated every two years to ensure that the duo is operational. “Once the test has been passed, the dog handlers often stay with it for years until their own dog retires,” says the trainer.
In order to be able to act even more effectively, several rescue organizations in Saxony-Anhalt joined forces at the end of last year and are now pooling their strengths. “We recently had an operation with 20 dogs and 70 helpers. An impressive example of teamwork,” reports Kim Biemer proudly and in the same breath complains about the lack of appreciation for voluntary work: “More recognition for our work would be desirable, especially in voluntary work. Unfortunately, we are experiencing increasingly less gratitude.”
For Kim, the commitment to her dog 'Jamie' remains a matter of the heart. “I will take the exam with her again, but at some point you also have to keep your health in mind. After all these years, the dog deserves his well-deserved retirement.”
The rescue dog teams rely on donations for their work. The volunteers can use the money to purchase equipment such as dog blankets, GPS devices and protective equipment. That's why the rescuers are happy about any support they receive.