9781422272985

and rescue missions that the monks embarked on when travelers became lost or trapped by avalanches. The monks found that these dogs were able to help find missing people, as well as guide the monks safely through the pass. While it would take a few hundred years for this type of search and rescue work to officially catch on, these animals could be considered the first search and rescue dogs.

Saint Bernards like this one were first used in the seventeenth century to assist travelers who fell victim to avalanches. They were brought to monasteries to be guard dogs, but the monks quickly learned how good the dogs were at search and rescue.

Dogs with Heroic Jobs

11