‘WHO smells?’ Berkshire Search and Rescue (BSARD) dog handler Richard asked the 4th Wokingham Beavers.
The BSARD member had come to explain the charity’s work, and the important part its trained dogs play in sniffing out vulnerable people in dangerous situations.
After getting over the shock of learning that they did indeed smell, the Beavers really enjoyed hearing about how the dogs find a missing person.
“The Beavers were mesmerised as they discovered how the dogs are trained, and about the equipment used by the handlers,” said Beaver leader Jan Wood.
“They learnt how the dogs are rewarded, too, and about the special coats they wear to show they are a working search dog and not an unleashed pet that might worry livestock. ”
Richard brought both of his BSARD border collies with him.
Suki is an air sniffing dog and Molly a ground sniffing dog.
Jan says the Beavers were full of questions, including: ‘What do the dogs do when they find someone?’ and: ‘What if they get lost?’.
“But my favourite,” said Jan, “was when a Beaver, with great concern and seriousness, asked one of the leaders: ‘How can Richard find and pick up their poo in the dark?’”
It just goes to show what responsible citizens these Beavers are.
Indeed, while waiting for their special visit, the Beavers were alreading fulfilling their promise ‘To be kind and helpful and to love our world’ by carrying out sponsored good deeds to raise money for BSARD Dogs.
These included making a card for a Prince Philip DOE Care Home Resident, Irene, who was 107 on February 7.
The Beavers are grateful to Tesco Community Champion Louise Jedras, who emailed BSARD to request a visit from the charity to help the 4th Wokingham Beavers achieve their World Challenge badge.
Everyone enjoyed the visit.
“We all, adults and children alike, discovered what amazing and selfless work the Berkshire volunteers do for our community,” said Jan.
“We will be looking into sponsoring a dog to help support this fantastic charity.”
The 4th Wokingham Beavers meet at the Bradbury Centre in Wokingham Town on Wednesday evenings.
For information, visit: scouts.org.ukand bsard.org.uk
