Gulf Coast Search and Rescue adds new member after loss

The Gulf Coast Search and Rescue team is getting a new pup after one of their own rescue dogs was tragically killed during a mission last year. News 25’s Gina Tomlinson has more.
Pirogue the dog was bursting with energy, enthusiasm and happiness. He was a field English springer spaniel, but more importantly he was a hero. Gulf Coast Search and Rescue Dog Handler Claire Sluytermanvanloo said, “It’s never happened to this team to lose a dog, but things are uncertain. You know you’re in the woods, you don’t know what’s out there and things you don’t think about happen.”
Pirogue the rescue dog was hit by a car while assisting the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department with a search for a missing woman in December 2016. He was killed while helping authorities out with a cold case, just one of the many assignments the Gulf Coast Search and Rescue Team takes on. “If it’s a lost victim in the woods, they look for any lost person out there. We also do human remains. If someone has been missing for a long time or to help with cold cases with the police,” said Sluytermanvanloo.
Pirogue’s owner was hurt by the loss, but the search and rescue volunteer tells News 25 the accident has made the team more aware of the risks the crew can face while out on missions. “It’s dangerous for both men and beast, but like I said we’re trying to get beyond that and beef up safety measures so it won’t happen again,” said Sluytermanvanloo.
Now, the team has finally gathered the funds for a new dog, Daisy, another spaniel who will join the crew this July. Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Cheryl Rasbury “They can do a lot more in a few seconds than we as humans can do in hours.”
Also adding to the rescue efforts, the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department will be teaming up with Search and Rescue. Volunteer fire fighters had their first day of training in Stone County Sunday. “It’s another tool. It’s another tool for them to have, people to come volunteer for them. It’s another tool for us when someone goes missing, that we have people we can rely on,” said Rasbury.
The team has 12 certified dogs and it usually takes up to a year to train these dogs. “It’s very worthwhile. It’s all volunteer. We need all the help we can get. We all have full time jobs, too. You don’t have to have a dog. You can be a fundraiser or somebody that’s really good with the website,” said Sluytermanvanloo.
If you’re interested in helping out Gulf Coast Rescue or just want to make a donation you can find Gulf Coast Search and Rescue on Facebook.