ALBAWABA – In Manila, Philippines's capital, a unique training program is turning normal pet dogs into potential lifesavers in the aftermath of disasters. Every Sunday, nearly 50 dogs, ranging from street-smart mongrels to pedigreed breeds, take part in rough exercises designed to hone their search and rescue skills.
This process is a response to concerns that there might not be enough trained rescue dogs if a big earthquake were to hit Manila. Among the participants is Hazel, a three-year-old former street dog adopted by 17-year-old Nathalia Chua. Despite her humble origins, Hazel shows remarkable aptitude in the drills, which include navigating through rubble and identifying hidden individuals.
(Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)
Her accomplishments in training, such as successfully locating a person concealed in a drum, not only earn her applause but also affectionate rubs from Chua. Hazel's training is part of a broader effort led by the MMDA K-9 Corps volunteer group, which has been operating since 2016.
Their goal is ambitious, and it is to prepare at least 3400 pet dogs for search and rescue roles across Manila. The trainers believe that these teams of dogs could play an important role in disaster response, especially since Manila sits precariously near the West Valley Fault and the Manila Trench, making it susceptible to earthquakes.
(Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)
The program not only prepares dogs for emergencies but also strengthens the bond between them and their owners. According to Chua, the training has transformed Hazel from a skittish stray into a confident and calm companion.
For others like American chef Jon Hrinyak, who regularly attends sessions with his German Shepherd, Oly, the training embodies a hope to make a meaningful difference during disasters. “You hope that when something happens… we can be there to assist someone,” Hrinyak said, aware of the potential this has to save lives in the future.
