This weeks Michigan Search and Rescue dog, Jackie Girl, is named for a special Australian Cattle Dog and her handler Josiah. Special in a personal way to myself as Josiah is my son. I have watched this team work together for 12 years. Jackie was the offspring from his first Cattle Dog, a red girl named Belle and specifically bred to a blue to get a blue. Their lines are direct from the kennel of Hickory Knoll Cattle Dogs. 
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The soap is a blend of fragrances with a seaside scent, a bit of sandalwood and black raspberry vanilla. 

More about Jackie Girl:
In October of 2006, Jackie, an Australian Cattle Dog, came to MISAR along with her 15 year old handler Josiah. After meeting their future mentor, Dave, a founding members of MISAR, at a demo it was decided the team would give this young man a chance to work in SAR. Less than two years later Jackie and Josiah certified in the area of Air Scent/Wilderness and have kept up their certifications including an Area Search certification with NAPWDA (North American Police Working Dog Association).

There were some harrowing moments in their early training such as the time Jackie caught scent of her subject on the opposite side of a river. She was so intent on getting to the subject she ended up in the fast moving current of the river. With the help of their mentor she was pulled to safety. Jackie was never really fond of working water after that incident and much preferred shoreline work over being on the water.

Jackie was not the friendliest dog on the team in the early years. It’s a cattle dog thing, but with help from the members she was encouraged with lots of dog treats to realize that people can be really awesome. She learned to enjoy the attention just for the food. She also figured out how to make demos fun for those who were in the audience. Jackie’s indication was a big bang on her handler. She seemed to know when to really put on a show to get the Oh’s and Ah’s.

Jackie was all work and no play at training and searches, in fact Jackie earned the title of “fun police”.  Other dogs learned that it was not cool to fool around when it was time to train. There was one small exception to her “no playing at training” rule. Unfortunately, it was with a small skunk. They somehow met up in a field and spent several minutes of play bowing and with some silly behavior. This was all observed by several members and not one felt the need to intervene. In the end the skunk had enough and Jackie received the worst end of that encounter.  

Being an agile cattle dog obstacles were never really obstacles.  Jackie could walk logs and planks or jump over them with little effort. Josiah rarely had to speak to his dog, somehow they knew exactly what the other wanted. It was clear to all how well these two worked together. Jackie trusted Josiah completely.

But as time proceeds the SAR dogs begin to age. Jackie will soon be twelve and has begun to slow down and with arthritis in her rear legs. Jackie has been on numerous searches over her time with MISAR but this work is hard on a dog that can cover acres of area. Oh, she still has that pep in her step when Josiah asks her to step up and will still run along with him – for a short distance. It is time for Jackie to begin a new adventure as she joins Josiah and his soon to be wife in their new home. There are many on this team who will miss this dog and the gentle lady she turned out to be. Happy Retirement Jackie Girl. You have earned it.

This week's featured soap named for a Michigan Search and Rescue dog is "Ava". Ava is a German Shepherd who has been with the team since the summer of 2013 along with her handler Julie. 

Ava recently completed all her level tests in Air Scent/Wilderness work and is deployable with the team. She loves to play ball as a reward after a job well done. 

Ava's soap is scented with fragrance oil of rose petals. It is a lovely soft rose scent.  
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We are recognizing Joe Pete this week in our efforts to honor dogs of Michigan Search and Rescue. Joe Pete is a 6 year old Doberman with natural ears and a great personality. He came to his handler at the age of four months through the Mid-West Doberman Rescue of St. Louis. It was love at first site for both the dog and the human.  

Joe Pete is a Human Remains Detection dog and has certified with the MISAR team and through IPWDA (International Police Working Dog Association). He has been on a variety of searches that included working in wilderness areas and on water, cold cases and historical work. 

Joe Pete's soap is scented with Cool Water for Men. The supplier describes it like this"A sophisticated blend of marine and green notes with cooling mint contrasted with rich cedarwood and musk". It smells light and clean.

​Photography credits:
​Members of Michigan Search and Rescue 
Rebecca Houlihan Photography
Sarah Gentry Photography 

For more information:

To follow Joe Pete and his SAR team go to the Michigan Search and Rescue's facebook page at www.facebook.com/Michigan-Search-and-Rescue-128305365879/