As the search for missing girl Kernisha Etienne continues, St Nicholas Animal Rescue asked by Dominica Police Force immediately offered assistance. The charity founder, Dr Naderkhani went with Cleopatra, Dominica’s only professionally trained Search & Rescue dog to volunteer, joining team of Policemen and the search group – already for several days now. Her comments highlight activities of these long days of searching
Cleopatra significantly increased capability of the rescue mission. A professionally trained dog can go alone in difficult terrain, evaluating any traces of scent and report them back.
“It was another difficult but productive day. Cleopatra has now cleared big area of any suspicion of the girl being around, so we can move to another area” – says Dr. Naderkhani. “It’s tough to search these rugged heavy woods by foot so the dog is an amazing gift. I give her special signal to search and she runs to the bush. As she comes she signals if there is anything worth investigating on foot, and then the hard-working Police team follows her to check. I am delighted to be of assistance. This is what our Animal Rescue organization is for – to help not only Dominica animals, but also fellow Dominicans. Cleopatra is trained just for this kind of work, and it is a blessing we have her right now. I am impressed with determination and professionalism of the Police search group, and find it a privilege to be of assistance, working as a team.”
Being not only a medical doctor, but with Canadian military career and Search & Rescue training, Dr. Naderkhani discussed with Police the importance of additional help from local community, which can complement work of a dog and the search team. “If people check their properties that are not regularly visited for unusual activity, disturbed ground, forgotten barrels, or unusual fire-pit sites – it can give a vital clue. Those overseas with property in the area of interest should give permission to friends or family friends to check their property for the same type of activity. Such things can help building a full picture”.
While talking, Dr Naderkhani is preparing Cleopatra for yet another day of search. Asked about St Nicholas Animal Rescue, she explains:”We are a group of hard working volunteers coming from various professions. That includes doctors, veterinarians, lawyers, drivers, and others devoted to this cause. Actually, we recently discussed plans to train additional dogs for Dominica Search & Rescue needs. These dogs can help in case of natural disasters, missing persons, and more. It would be good to assist with training of such dogs for Police, and it could make a big difference in search capabilities. Training such a dog is a hard work, several hours six times a week without any breaks, for six months – but it is worth the effort, as Cleopatra is just proving to all of us. She just now clarified a false alarm raised by some concerned residents.”
Derek Galon, a professional photographer of Dominica’s nature and one of charity volunteers comments: “I am highly impressed with amount of work Cleopatra and her handler put into this volunteering for many days. Another example of the difference our small charity makes with very limited resources. Seeing this, it is hard not to get involved.” – says Mr Galon. “Right now, after many months of difficult logistics, our rescue expects to receive advanced veterinary diagnostic equipment, such as Dominica’s first X-ray vet system, ultrasound, Doppler, vital signs monitor, and more. Once we receive all that – we can again expand our work, improving quality of life in Dominica. This is what matters to us, and our work becomes a passion. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our rescue.”
“We have to go” – says Dr. Naderkhani. “We are joining the search again in just a few moments. My sincere thanks to the Police force for their determination and hard work. Long days… Hot sun, endless forest – and they are on pins and needles for any sign of the girl. I also want to thank them for involving Cleopatra in this search. We very much hope that the girl still can be found and it is a privilege to assist, giving back to our community as much as we can with our limited means. We will go back to search as long as we are needed.
I am sure this just starts our cooperation, with our Search and Rescue dogs helping Police in the future. Or, perhaps we will train more dogs to assist Dominica in the hour of need.”
