[q] Fancy being a dogsbody?
What does this entail I hear you ask? That's exactly what I thought when I read an article in a walking magazine last year. So I decided to go along in January of this year to see what it involved. It was one of the best weekends of my life! I turned up at Derwent Water Youth Hostel Wednesday night and was instantly made to feel welcome. It was explained to me about what I would have to do Thursday and I thought "what have I let myself in for!" So after a good night's sleep, got up in the morning had some breakfast and a cup of coffee and all around me was noise. Other people were getting themselves organised for the 'day's work' ahead. It was like a Ramblers weekend away! We then had a small meeting about what was going on during the day and I was introduced as a 'new body'. I was given lots of advice and what to expect.
I was driven to where we would be working for the day, with all of my warm gear, packed lunch and bivvy bag. The next thing I know, I'm being placed out in some bracken with my rucksack and left there... with a radio of course! It was explained that I had to lie out in the pouring rain mind you, and wait for a dog to come and find me! So I got myself comfortable and waited, and waited, and waited. Finally I heard some movement and some breathing, and then a wet cold nose came in and licked my face... and then left me. The dog then ran to his owner and barked at him. The dog then came back to me to make sure I was still there and again went to hurry his owner up. The dog brought his owner in and looked so pleased that he had found someone. The dog had done such a fantastic job that he was rewarded by playing with his toy, lots of praise and a treat! The owner and dog then left me and this carried on throughout the day. Finally at about 3.00pm I was 'walked out' of the area and thanked for being a body. We then made our way back to the hostel for a well deserving cup of tea!! So now I knew what was expected. Other bodies and dog handlers asked if I'd enjoyed myself and I couldn't stop grinning away. I felt very looked after. And I suppose I must have had a good time as I keep going back for more!!
For me, being a dogsbody is so rewarding and such a worthwhile commitment to do. Granted it's not for everyone but without mad people like me, the dogs wouldn't be able to trained-up to go searching for lost/injured people. If you're interested I would recommend looking at the website www.nsarda.org.uk. The group meets once a month all over the country and I would say that everyone is made to feel welcome, even if they are only after your 'body'!!
- Tamsin Mitchell, November 2007
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