Taiwan was hit by its largest earthquake in 25 years on April 3, 2024. Authorities are still searching for dead bodies and injured people more than 10 days later.
Three families have closure thanks to a dog named Roger with Kaohsiung Special Search and Rescue. The three bodies were recovered along the Shakadang Trail in Taroko National Park. The people were hiking in this park that is about 15 miles Hualien City.
In the latest uplifting search and rescue dog news, Roger is certified by the International Rescue Dog Organization. He has received specialized search-and-rescue dog training in rubble pile search and rescue.
When he smells a body, he puts his head down and starts sniffing in a particular spot. This alerts his handler that rescue crews need to dig in that area. His training has always involved finding people alive, but Roger has been able to expand his skills without further training.
Roger has not always been successful. He was born in a unique center where pups are trained from birth to sniff out drugs. He failed in that position because he was too playful. Drug dogs must follow one command at a time, and Roger just wanted to constantly get ahead of his handler's commands.