Monticello is a dark red Golden Retriever who recently retired from search work as an Air Scent dog. He came to the Michigan Search and Rescue team as a puppy in 2007, along with his handler Brandy. Everyone loved Monticello, better known as Monty.
As the SAR dogs get older and slower there comes the hard decision to retire them. It is a hard call for the handlers. These dogs have learned to work hard for that special reward and it becomes a part of who they are. As a handler we see when their bodies are not able to walk the long miles, or jump the logs, or endure the heat or cold temperatures even when their noses can still make that find.
Monty's soap is scented with a wonderful fragrance oil called Twilight in the Woods (a Bath and Body Works dupe).
Below is from the heart of Monty's handler, Brandy:
I have been truly blessed to have had Monty as my partner. When I first started my SAR journey I knew I wanted a Golden Retriever, I had a picture in my head of what I wanted, your typical Golden, the yellow-gold color with the long fur and bushy tail. I knew his name would be Monty, after the dog in the Iris Johansen book “The Search”. So, off we went to test his litter. Monty was the only one who tested well out of his litter of 11. He was darker than I had wanted, but I played fetch with him for a few minutes and decided, yup this was my Monty. So, thankful I went against my preconceived notion of what I wanted. He turned into such a handsome red boy. He has been an amazing friend and partner. I never knew such a bond could exist that has formed between me and my Monticello! He has taught me so much along the way. I am so grateful that I had a team that was patient and supportive, that helped nurture our partnership and taught us how to partner with each other. Some on the team have referred to him as Mr. Reliable, he was good at his job and he loved it and was happy doing it. Unfortunately, age has caught up with my boy and it is time for him to become a “bon-bon” dog, or couch potato and to keep his family company while receiving lots of pets, snuggles and love.
As the SAR dogs get older and slower there comes the hard decision to retire them. It is a hard call for the handlers. These dogs have learned to work hard for that special reward and it becomes a part of who they are. As a handler we see when their bodies are not able to walk the long miles, or jump the logs, or endure the heat or cold temperatures even when their noses can still make that find.
Monty's soap is scented with a wonderful fragrance oil called Twilight in the Woods (a Bath and Body Works dupe).
Below is from the heart of Monty's handler, Brandy:
I have been truly blessed to have had Monty as my partner. When I first started my SAR journey I knew I wanted a Golden Retriever, I had a picture in my head of what I wanted, your typical Golden, the yellow-gold color with the long fur and bushy tail. I knew his name would be Monty, after the dog in the Iris Johansen book “The Search”. So, off we went to test his litter. Monty was the only one who tested well out of his litter of 11. He was darker than I had wanted, but I played fetch with him for a few minutes and decided, yup this was my Monty. So, thankful I went against my preconceived notion of what I wanted. He turned into such a handsome red boy. He has been an amazing friend and partner. I never knew such a bond could exist that has formed between me and my Monticello! He has taught me so much along the way. I am so grateful that I had a team that was patient and supportive, that helped nurture our partnership and taught us how to partner with each other. Some on the team have referred to him as Mr. Reliable, he was good at his job and he loved it and was happy doing it. Unfortunately, age has caught up with my boy and it is time for him to become a “bon-bon” dog, or couch potato and to keep his family company while receiving lots of pets, snuggles and love.
Monty and his handler in their first year of training for search and rescue work.
Monty makes a find in a cold building and gives his trained indication a "bang".
Team Monty being lowered on a harness in a regional exercise. This was one of biggest achievements for this team to overcome and they did it.
Happy Retirement Monticello! Photo credit goes the handler's son Aiden!
Photography credits:
Members of Michigan Search and Rescue
For more information:
To follow the Michigan Search and Rescue's facebook page go to www.facebook.com/Michigan-Search-and-Rescue-128305365879/
Members of Michigan Search and Rescue
For more information:
To follow the Michigan Search and Rescue's facebook page go to www.facebook.com/Michigan-Search-and-Rescue-128305365879/
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