Have you ever come across a stray dog and wondered if they could become something extraordinary? Well, that’s exactly what happened to a young Labrador named Bailey. This lovable pooch, who was once feared to be a “lost cause,” is now on the path to becoming an expert fire service search and rescue dog.
Graham Currie, a dog handler from Essex Fire Service, came to Bailey’s rescue after the Dogs Trust in Loughborough made an appeal for someone to adopt him. Despite initial concerns about labradors being “greedy,” Graham decided to take Bailey on a six-week trial. Little did he know that this furry friend would surpass all expectations.
The bond between Graham and Bailey quickly grew strong, with Graham describing Bailey as one of the most natural search dogs he has ever seen. The credit for bringing these two together goes to Louise Crawford, the animal welfare scheme coordinator at the charity, who reached out to rescue services in search of a new search dog.
Graham had been searching for a suitable companion for nearly a year when he heard about Bailey. Concerned about Bailey’s drive for a tennis ball and his behavior around other dogs and people, Graham offered to take him on a trial period. The turning point came on the third day when Bailey’s determination shone through. In the vehicle barn, there was a rugby ball on a ledge above some gym weights, and Bailey wouldn’t give up until he retrieved it. This kind of persistence is exactly what they look for in a search and rescue dog.
Initially, Graham was hesitant about taking on a labrador due to their typical greediness and distractibility with food. He had been on the lookout for a springer, cocker, or sprocker spaniel bitch, as they are known to be less stubborn and easier to train. However, Bailey’s drive and lack of greediness won Graham over entirely.
Since then, Bailey, who is between 18 months and two years old, has excelled in search and rescue activities. He has undergone seven days of training in buildings and rubble piles with police and national assessors. According to Graham, Bailey’s fearlessness and adaptability have set him apart from the rest. Nothing fazes him, and he has no fears or phobias – like a mountain goat.
Colleagues who have witnessed Bailey’s incredible abilities have been astounded. In fact, one police trainer even suggested that if they could clone Bailey, all their problems would be solved. Despite earlier descriptions of Bailey as unruly, untrainable, unsociable, rude, and stubborn, this dog, who only cost £185, has turned out to be an extraordinary creature.
Typically, it takes 18 months to three years to train a search and rescue dog. However, with Bailey’s exceptional progress, he could be “on the run” as early as next April. Graham, thrilled with the outcome, feels both he and Bailey have landed on their feet. Bailey now has a loving home, and Graham, along with Essex Fire Service, has found a search and rescue partner like no other.
