Trio of brave Scots search and rescue dogs honoured for their life-saving work

A trio of courageous Scottish search and rescue dogs have been honoured for their outstanding life-saving work. Search dogs Zak, Bowie and Merlin, who are part of Trossachs Search and Rescue (Trossachs SAR), received special recognition for their dedication and search skills. The dogs were visibly excited as they were presented with rosettes by Stirling’s Lady Provost, Councillor Elaine Watterson. Additionally, each dog was given a personalised blanket with their name on it and a bag filled with toys and treats as a token of appreciation for their hard work.

The awards ceremony, hosted by STEP Scotland, was attended by members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service – Blue Watch, who joined in celebrating the dogs’ achievements. Trossachs SAR expressed their gratitude to the community for their unwavering support, highlighting the special and memorable day it was for the search dogs.

Established 25 years ago, Trossachs SAR operates as a community resilience team without government funding, relying on grants, sponsorships, and donations from individuals and businesses for their operations. Covering a wide area from Loch Lomond to Dunblane, Strathblane to Strathyre, the volunteer-led team provides crucial support to local communities. The highly trained dogs play a vital role in search and rescue operations and have been involved in significant missions, including aiding in the aftermath of the tragic helicopter crash at The Clutha bar in Glasgow.

The commendable work of Zak, Bowie, and Merlin serves as a testament to the invaluable contribution of search and rescue animals in saving lives and ensuring the safety of individuals in need. Their dedication and skills have not only earned them recognition but also inspired others to appreciate the remarkable efforts of these four-legged heroes in serving their community.