For the last two years as Dunder, my search dog, and I have been going through training, most of the time has been spent on him and getting him up and going as a certified search dog. We accomplished that task this last January in California which was a huge relief to me (I still get testing anxiety). But recently it sort of hit home as to how prepared the ‘people’ portion of the team, meaning me, also needs to be prepared. I was talking with a friend of mine about how long it takes me to ‘get out the door’ after being deployed.
My answer, about 45 minutes. (but that includes driving home from my work).
You might think that’s not a very long time but I have a 10 minute commute home (that’s if I hit all the red lights). I have to change my clothes, grab my two ‘go bags’ and get out of the house. I also check to make sure I have fresh water and food for the dogs in the truck. Doesn’t seem like it should take that long but it does (I also usually have a hard time finding the right socks for some reason, which is odd since I own 5 pair of the ‘right socks’).
After doing search and rescue work for about 10 years, I have this all down to somewhat of an art but it’s taken me about 8 of those years to NOT forget anything. I also have to go through every spring and fall and rotate out what exactly is in my go bag for clothes. I live in a climate that in the winter we need something to keep you warm in -10 degree weather and in the summer you need to have extra socks/pants/shirts because the ones you are wearing are sweaty and wet. In essence, you have to be prepared for anything when you walk out of the house.
However, I found myself on the phone today talking with my mom to find out when I had my polio shot. Turns out the FEMA level task force I am hoping to be a member of requires my “shot record’ along with my dog’s. This is part of me being prepared for deployment. I also found it humorous to be wracking my brain to try and remember what year I had the chicken pox.
However, the one good thing I did find out, I’m probably do for a tetanus booster. I would encourage everyone to check the status of your ‘shot record’ with your doctor….it’s part of being prepared.
Wags,
Robin Habeger and K9 Dunder
