Green Point Probus members had a very special visitor of the four-legged variety at a recent meeting when Koa the search dog dropped by.
Koa is one of the eight valued working dogs of at Search Dogs Sydney – a volunteer, self-funded organisation which helps in search operations.
Together with his handlers and co-founders Chris D’Arcy and Adele Jago, Koa entertained and informed a large group of members on the organisation’s work, with a PowerPoint presentation and visuals showing the dogs in action.
The dogs specialise in search operations which follow disasters and land searches for missing people.
Being very mobile, the service can operate from a utility and trailer.
Volunteer pilot availability reduces the cost considerably when it is necessary to reach more distant locations.
“Through the work of the organisation comfort for families in stressful times can be achieved,” a Probus spokesperson said.
“Often searches can be conducted at night using drones equipped with thermal imaging being supported by dogs; this is very cost effective compared to helicopters.
“Searches can even continue when failing light often results in human searchers discontinuing.”