Training for search and rescue dogs

SEARCH and rescue dogs from across Devon and Cornwall came to Appledore for doggy training sessions.

The dogs were trained by the Appledore RNLI to get used to going on boats and finding people in the water.

James Short, a search and rescue dog handler from Westward Ho! Coastguard coordinated the exercise.

Appledore's second coxswain, Owen Atkinson said: "This was a very worthwhile exercise. The specially trained sniffer dogs could help in many of our search and rescues within the tidal reaches of the estuary, and in confined waters, especially where visibility is badly impaired such as in dark or fog.

"To get the dogs used to going in the lifeboat and finding their sea legs before helping in an emergency is of great value.

"It was a useful team building exercise between the two volunteer emergency services, lots of lessons were learnt by everyone, not just the dogs, and hopefully it will mean we can provide even better services between us."