Search and Rescue Dog Bailey special feature in a book for Dogs Trust

A Search and Rescue Dog from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS), specialising in live scent search has been featured in The Little Dog That Laughed book for the Dogs Trust.

Being described as unruly, untrainable, and unsociable, Bailey was taken in by the Dogs Trust in Loughborough back in 2021.

After spending some time with Bailey, the team at the Dogs Trust saw that he had potential. The charity contacted the UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) and other services to ask if anyone was looking for a new search dog.

Graham Currie, who is a Watch Manager and Dog Handler for the Service said:

“I’d been looking for a dog for just under a year when I saw the plea from the Dogs Trust. So, I went up to Loughborough the following day to see what Bailey was like.

“After testing his drive for a tennis ball and checking he had no aggression towards other dogs or people, I offered to take him on a six-week trial.”

Now two years on, Graham describes Bailey as the most natural search and rescue dog, and his inspiring story has been featured in The Little Dog that Laughed book for the Dogs Trust.

Graham adds: “Bailey was quite a handful to begin with, as he had little to no training and was very head strong.

“The biggest challenge was, as I call them now his ‘Fenton moments’, chasing rabbits or deer and disappearing over the horizon. But some Primula cheese spread, and a lot of patience has seen Bailey turn his life around.

“This year Bailey achieved his full license, not just for the UK but for UK International Search and Rescue too. His training is always continuing to ensure he stays at the top of his game.

“Bailey has fallen on his feet and has got a purpose in life and who knows how many lives he may save over his career.”

A spokesperson from the Dogs Trust said: “From the first time Bailey arrived at Dogs Trust Loughborough, it was clear that he was destined for greatness.

“Initially found as a stray, he quickly adapted to life at Dogs Trust and successfully passed all his tests. Bailey’s hard work and unwavering resilience has landed him a job at the Essex Country Fire and Rescue Service, where he continues to show his determination and goodwill through supporting the local community.”

“We hope this story is a frequent reminder of all the purposeful work rescue dogs do and highlights the special bond between humans and our canine friends.”

More information about the book: https://www.thelittledog.co.uk/product/a-dogs-life-gift-book-anna-danielle/