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A RETIRED search dog who was believed to have served as a mountain rescue dog for the UK's longest period of time is being honored for her contributions.
Border collie Skye, who worked in the Lake District for 11 years, conducted 200 searches before retiring in 2020 at the age of 14.
For her achievements, Skye will receive the PDSA Order of Merit, also known as a "animal OBE."
Throughout her service, Skye and her handler, 49-year-old John Leadbetter, looked for the missing in all types of weather.
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With the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team as a puppy, the devoted dog began her professional life. She then served as a trainee and graded searchdog for Duddon and Furness MRT before moving on to Langdale and Ambleside MRT and then Kendal MRT.
Skye is important to me; we've been partners for life, and she's my best companion on the fells," Mr. Leadbetter continued.
It is incredibly moving and humbling to see her get the PDSA Order of Merit, and it's a lovely acknowledgement of the time and effort search dogs and their teams put into ensuring mountain safety.
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In the course of her long and distinguished career, she has guarded and aided people who are in danger, but she has also served as an ambassador and helped raise money and awareness.
The PDSA Order of Merit, which was instituted by the group in 2014 to honor animals for their outstanding services to society, has already honored 36 animals, including Skye.
PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin commented, "We're incredibly proud to be honoring Skye with our PDSA Order of Merit."
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"We believe this is a fitting tribute to her lifetime of dedication and hard work," the statement continued. "Her exceptional skills and exceptional devotion above and beyond that of ordinary companionship make her a very deserving recipient."
In addition to protecting and assisting those who are in danger, her lengthy and illustrious career has seen her serve as an ambassador, helping to generate vital funding and raise public awareness of the amazing work that these Mountain Rescue teams accomplish.
Skye had her initial instruction from the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team when she was a puppy and later earned her certification from the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dog Association.
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She conducted searches all throughout Scotland, Lancashire, the Pennines, and the Lake District.
She is currently close to 16 years old and is residing in retirement with Mr. Leadbetter and his family. According to them, she still finds enjoyment in exploring the hills and fells, albeit at a little slower pace.