Rescue Dogs of the Suez Canal

Few sights are as breathtaking as that of the glorious Suez Canal rescue dog in the act of rescuing a fallen sailor or dockworker. These hardy animals have a long and proud history going back to the very creation of the canal. With their Cadmium Yellow collars and rescue bundle holders these dogs cut a striking form against the desert sands. Trained from birth to carry out their critical mission these dogs are are a study in both duty and love though many feel their training is harsh. At six weeks of age these dogs are fitted with their first traditional "fagloat" or bundle of twigs which hang under their collars(and is used as a Float by the struggling sailor). As the dogs age they are slowly fitted with larger bundles until they can carry a full size Fagloat while running and swimming. Ear mites are used by their handlers to ensure that poisonous insects do not nest in the fagloat(the constant shaking of the head and scratching causes the insects to fall off). At the age of 5 months a period of intensive training is begun utilizing rabbits as an unlikely training partner. It has been found that the sound of rabbits eating Celery closely resembles the sound of a struggling swimmer, so by training the dogs to respond to this sound on land the handler can readily train them once they begin swimming. Upon completion of their training the dogs are tested in a real situation, and upon successful rescue of their first victims the dogs collars are painted cadmium yellow to signify their achievements.

Like their Saint Bernard cousins the Rescue Dogs of the Suez Canal are a unique and special part of our cultural heritage.