August 8, 2007

I wanted to let you know that I had my first rescue experience already!

I was driving down the highway and noticed some cars pulled over near a dog laying on the road. I pulled over (a little less safely then I will in the future- whoops. I had tunnel vision for a second!) and ran toward them with my first aid kit in tow shouting, "I know canine first aid! is the dog still alive?" They said he wasn't but I still checked out his vitals, etc. and yes, he was already dead.

I was able to reassure the people at the scene and I took the dog's body to the SPCA where I traced his licence number and I contacted his owner. She told me he escapes often and had jumped out a window that morning. I talked with her for a bit and I am sending her his collar and tag for her to keep.

Even though the story didn't end the way I would've wanted it, I was so thankful to have had the DOGSAFE training. I felt confident and knowledgable in this emergency situation. I was really surprised at how calm I was and how I was ready to perform the ABC's without worry or a second thought. I loved taking the DOGSAFE course and thanks to the training, I feel ready to take on any emergency that may come in the future.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Erin Doan,
SPCA Volunteeer
DOGSAFE Graduate (Nanaimo), August 5, 2007

BACK TO DOGSAFE in ACTION