My Dog got lost today.
We were training down in Springwater on the side of a hill (well small mountain).
Had a 20 acre area to complete. There was just a gentle breeze, barely perceptible.
Gracie and I were traversing this slope, back and forth trying to see if we could find the person that we placed out in the woods. He was kicking back reading a Smithsonian Magazine (hard copy- who does that anymore) and enjoying the crisp morning air. (Just below freezing this morning).
Anyhow, we finished up the first 10 acres, then climbed down into a glen and up the other side after fording the creek at the bottom. Then started on the 2nd 10 acres. On the second pass (we divide an area into grids) she detected our subject from about 1200 yards away and after working the scent cone for a few minutes she found him.
The second part of the problem is that she has to come and find me to tell me she has found the subject (did I mention we were 1200 yards away?) Well, she was able to find me and gave me her indication (a little swipe of her paw and a whine). Then she took off to take me back to the subject. Only problem was, she went the wrong way!
Yup, she wasn't really lost but she was definitely turned around. She went about 300 yards due West. The subject was off to the South South West. Unfortunately, this brought her to the upwind side of the subject. It was pretty funny when she came back to me and then had to start searching for him all over again.
We had a good laugh, and within 10 minutes had completed the search.
Just thought you might enjoy my little chuckle.
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My heart went into my throat when I read the headline. Whew! Gracie is still a true champion rescue dog! Are you sure she was disorientated or wanted to give you a bit more exercise? I don't know how you do it walking around acres of woods. It makes my feet and legs hurt just reading about it!
Mine were a bit sore after all that climbing too. Someday this new knee that I had installed will be at 100%.
Oh, that is just wonderful ! Such vital work you do together, and so good that you have fun doing the training.
One scent dog I enjoyed watching in the Honolulu airport one day. A number of items including fresh fruit, are not allowed into Hawaii from elsewhere. (We get enough invasive insects etc. without inviting them to ride in on a piece of fruit.) So every arriving traveler signs a declaration that they are doing no such thing.
so one day this happy dog plus handler are cruising the arrivals area. Dog walks right up to a young couple and sits firmly on the floor. Handler (with her I Am The One in Charge Here Attitude on) comes over, requests to see in the backpack. Well, there's one banana waaaay down in the bottom of the bag. The handler calls her backup, the couple look panic-stricken, and the dog is happy as can be. Treats!
Gotta watch out for those rogue bananas. I understand the full implications though.
Not much chance of smuggling anything these days with the "Nose Patrol" on the job.
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Glad she wasn't *really* lost!
Just a bit turned around.