The National Search And Rescue Dog Association

On Friday 21st April we learned the heart breaking news that much loved retired Search Dog Cluanie had passed away at the age of 16.

She had a long and distinguished career with SARDA Wales having first qualified in 2009 and retiring as a mountain graded open area search dog in 2020, when age and illness started to catch up with her.

She had a total of 10 finds including her last one in 2019.

The statistics don’t really tell you about Cluanie though, undoubtedly she was brilliant at doing her jobs but she was much more than that.

Watching her and her handler Helen work was an inspiration to newer handlers and a joy for bodies, Claunie made it look graceful and effortless but she was totally focused and determined to get her job done. She was much loved by all the bodies; an enthusiastic but gentle player,; always happy to see them with the added bonus of being very photogenic.

After retiring she still used to come along to training from, time to time, to catch up with the bodies and her old friend Tess – I’m sure they sat there watching the younger dogs and thinking I could show you how to do that properly!

Cluanie was a true mountain dog. After retirement, her mountain days got shorter but they didn’t stop. While poorly feet and a bad back made rocky walking uncomfortable she still loved pottering on soft ground, so Helen would push or pull her to a nice location so she could enjoy the soft ground without the rough approach. She truly had a long life, full of love and lived it to the full.

Goodbye Cloons you were much loved by all your friends at SARDA Wales, time to catch up with Tess, Scout, Moss and the rest of your mates xx
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