Dog found after 2 nights
As a deer fawn pilot and president of the deer fawn rescue, Missing Persons and Person Search Association https://rpvs.ch/, I took part in Monty's search. Monty had been frightened by paragliders and had not been seen again. In addition, there were shooting exercises nearby, which made the dog even more insecure. There was a huge echo in this cauldron on the steep terrain.
Monty had been missing for a night and the temperatures were around minus degrees. To make matters worse, the search area was 1400 metres above sea level and was huge. Many helpers and volunteers were deployed, hunters with dogs, the owners who had spent the night on the mountain. Mountain hikers walked the very steep search area on foot and with a thermal drone. I systematically flew over the search area for several hours and found many thermal signatures (chamois, marmots, strange dogs, hikers, rocks, tree trunks, etc.) but no Monty. Many very good and less good tips came from all sides. What is important in a search is the cooperation and exchange between the specialists of the individual disciplines: hunters, local experts, owners, K9 animal search, drone pilots, etc.
On the second day, I started at 5 am because this is the time for drone pilots or the best thermal signatures. Unfortunately, it was snowing and blowing very hard. This search drone is unfortunately not waterproof and so I had to abort the flight. Using standard means such as search calls, whistles and travelling to and from Monty's last known position, he suddenly appeared at 06:44 and looked at me!
It is important to resist the first impulse and run towards the dog. Because he could run away again. As explained on the K9 Animal Rescue Switzerland website, it is best to inform the owner, as the dog will then be more trusting. The owner was informed immediately but was still in the valley and it took about 20 minutes to get to the search area. So my job was to entertain and motivate Monty to stay close by. All means were used (as a dog owner you have your tricks). A woollen blanket on the floor, opening the car door, scattering food, putting the dog crate in the open, running away from the car and even playing dead (some dogs come straight away) were all used. Monty stayed at a safe distance. After the long 20 minutes, his mistress arrived and Monty was happy and trusting. He was cuddled and looked after. He is a happy chappy again.
By the way, GPS trackers might not be a bad idea for dogs.
The drones used for fawn rescue are also ideal for searching for other animals or people using thermal cameras. The drone pilots of the Swiss fawn rescue organisation https://www.rehkitzrettung.ch/ support https://www.k9tiersucheschweiz.ch/ and https://www.pettrailer-schweiz.ch/ with the thermal drones.
Advertising: Rehkitzrettung's drone pilots are the pilots with the most experience in a wide variety of terrain by day and night. It's all about the big picture.
All of this is voluntary work and the pilots are not compensated, nor are most of the helpers in such search operations. This is why we are always looking for new helpers to lend a hand or to thank the organisations mentioned with a donation.
Hopefully, you will never find yourself in this stressful situation, but here are the tips from K9 Animal Search Switzerland.
Missing pet - what to do?
1. lost dog - immediately after disappearance
Keep calm. You (or a person familiar with your dog) should stay in the place where your dog has disappeared. If it has not returned after about 30 minutes, it may have run to your parked car and is waiting there. If you are close to home, the dog may also run back there. Make sure that the dog has access to the garden or house (either a family member is at home or the garden door is open).
2. lost dog - a while after disappearing
If your dog has not returned to you, the parked car or home after more than half an hour, you should take the next steps:
Important: Always leave a call-back number with the authorities and bear in mind that the individual institutions are not networked with each other.
3. all pets - if your pet has already been gone for several hours
Make flyers with a recent photo of your pet, your telephone number and the location of the lost dog. On the homepage of www.stmz.ch you have a quick and easy way to create such posters. It is forbidden to put up posters with your own posters. Please obtain permission from the relevant authorities, park authorities, surgeries or shop owners.
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It has also proved useful to regularly check with the police and animal shelters to see if anything has come up, as cases can go unnoticed, e.g. during shift changes.
Facebook is a good platform for reporting missing pets. There are already some groups that have been set up specifically for this purpose and are already well-networked. Beware of scammers on the internet! Unfortunately, there are always cases where money is demanded for the re-homing of an animal. Do not hesitate to call us directly and ask for help. We are happy to help and advise you.?
4 The use of animal search dogs
K-9? animal search dogs are trained to follow the trail of a lost animal (mainly dogs and cats, but also any other species). The following typical results can be expected from a mission:
Important: The owner often plays a major role in securing the animal. Please always remain close by or contactable by telephone during the operation.
Pictures of what else I found as thermal signatures during search:
Donations on the left (possible with tax receipt): https://rpvs.ch/jetzt-spenden/
Bankverbindung:
IBAN: CH60 0637 4730 0599 0468 8 Bank: Spar+Leihkasse Riggsiberg AG Grabenstrasse 7,?3132 Riggisberg
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Verein Rehkitzrettung, Personen und Vermisstensuche (RPVS) IDE: CHE-146.117.825 Muttlen 131 CH3664 Burgistein Schweiz