This new book from Vertebrate Publishing is our pick of the year - here's a review and a little bit more we found out about our canine rescuers... Book Review by Greg Hackett.

Through the rigorous process of becoming a dog handler for a Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) in the Peak District, Paul Besley and his dog, Scout, navigate the trials and joys of life together. The relationship between collie and master is unconditional and unwavering. Although the heart of the book details their training, assessments, graduation, and eventual call-outs, the earlier and later chapters frame this transition with themes of hope and loss.

The author is an incredible person, but of course, the most impressive people don’t always see themselves that way. His has been a difficult life—violence at home, educational opportunities snuffed out, factory hours punctuated by drinking blackouts, and failed relationships. The turning point was his own fall and subsequent rescue from the foot of a crag. Paul Besley, having taken so little from the world, still wanted to give something back. Enter Scout.

Dog lovers will not be disappointed by the details and touches that mark the co-dependence of this search team of two. The gazes, the kisses, the treats, and the cuddles are in abundance—not just from Paul but from everyone Scout comes into contact with. Search dogs receive a particular kind of attention, for their work is heroic. It is fascinating to follow man and dog training together, the workload required to achieve a pass and become part of the MRT, and the bond that grows with every completed task and test.

The remit of the MRT dog handler is much wider than I knew. Of course, there are plenty of shivering and benighted walkers out there who need bringing down, but there are also the “despondents,” those with mental health problems, who may be seeking to end their lives in the wilderness—or even on the fringes of industrial estates, where trained dogs like Scout can also do their work. Paul’s peak years with the MRT coincide with Covid, when the public had an unusual and unpredictable relationship with wild places.

In The Search, the lines between rescuer and rescued are blurred. Paul and Scout have found each other and are learning to live as one. Paul’s partner, Alison, is a rock through this period of his life, but their relationship is not straightforward, and his steel-town youth keeps turning up to haunt him, refusing to melt away. It is easy to be fooled by the author’s self-deprecation—that his is an existence held together by others—but in the end, it can be read between the lines that Paul Besley is the inspiration for the angels at his side, on hill and at home.

Mountain Rescue Search Dogs: An Overview

Since 1971, Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England (MRSDE) has played a key role in search and rescue operations across the UK’s remote and challenging landscapes. These dogs, trained alongside their handlers, specialise in locating vulnerable missing people in areas where traditional search methods may fall short.

MRSDE dogs are trained as “non-discriminatory air scenting” dogs, meaning they search for any human scent carried by air currents rather than following a specific trail. This method allows them to cover vast areas efficiently, even in adverse weather conditions. Once the dog identifies human scent, it tracks the source and signals its handler with a bark, indicating a find.

The training involves a reward-based system, tailored to each dog’s preferences, such as food or toys. This approach ensures the dogs remain motivated throughout their challenging tasks.

Handlers, meanwhile, are experienced mountain rescue team members. They must have at least one year of operational callout experience, along with proficiency in mountain safety, casualty care, and rescue procedures. This ensures that when their dogs make a find, they can respond effectively and independently in remote locations.

Supporting the Training

An essential part of the training process involves dogsbodies—volunteers who hide during exercises to help dogs practice finding human scent. From socialising puppies to aiding in advanced training scenarios, dogsbodies contribute to every stage of a dog’s development.

This role requires commitment, as it involves working in all weather conditions and rugged environments. However, the process can be immensely rewarding, particularly when seeing a dog progress through training and, eventually, contribute to saving lives.

Training a search dog is a lengthy and complex process. Both handlers and their dogs face significant physical and mental demands, from mastering mountain rescue techniques to navigating harsh conditions. The ability to operate effectively in isolated, upland environments is crucial, as is teamwork between the handler, the dog, and the wider rescue team.

Mountain rescue search dogs highlight the unique bond between humans and animals in life-saving contexts. While their work is often unseen, their contribution to search and rescue efforts can make a critical difference in emergencies.

For those interested in learning more or becoming involved, resources are available for joining mountain rescue teams or supporting related efforts in lowland areas.

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