Mountain dog receives an award for more than 200 rescues in 11 years of service
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. 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 love...