Search and Rescue Saturday

We had a wonderful day today. Because the twins are identical, we were asked to assist a search and rescue team in conducting an experiment to see if their scents were detectable by the dogs. So, in the drizzle, we loaded everyone up in the car and headed to a park in Benbrook. As we arrived, the children started getting excited at the sight of 2 bloodhounds in crates in the parking lot. They piled out of the van and went strait for the dogs. We were meet by Jennifer Potts and she showed the kids that not only were there 2 in crates, there were 4 others in the back of trucks. G.L. Potts "scented" the twins (rubbed cotton pads on their faces and clothes). He took all of us to a baseball field and had my husband and I walk with the twins up the middle of the field and part going opposite ways with each of the girls. G.L. took the big kids back to the truck to be "scented" and head to the playground with Jennifer.
Then the dog's work began. G.L. brought his dog first. He told me ahead of time he was going to give the dog Lily's scent. I stood in amazement as I watched the dog run across the parking lot and into the field. He had his nose down and was on the trail we all had walked together. Then, he turned and headed strait for us. He came running strait to Lily! She was a little freaked out. The dog was excited and he was the same height as her. We praised the dog and gave him a treat. G.L. was so happy his dog was able to tell a difference. He went back to the truck and another handler brought her dog. He was scented with Elizabeth's scent. He had a little trouble finding her as we also had some of her scent on us, it was raining and the trail wasn't as fresh. He was able to find her and I could see across the field how excited he was. Then another handler brought her dog to find Lily. Success! All of the dog handlers were so excited the dogs were able to tell the difference in the girls. It is amazing that they live together, share DNA, share clothes and are always together, and the dogs can still tell them apart.
After all that excitement, it was time to find Grace. The dog led us to the playground, where Grace and Wesley had been playing for 30 minutes. They had been all over the equipment. The dog ran all over smelling her scent. She was hiding up at the top of a slide. The dog found her within a matter of minutes. Wesley was next and he did puppy training. He had to hide, run, scream and then hide again. Then the puppy was given his scent. The puppy was so excited he found Wesley twice. Wesley loved giving him treats and hugs. He was so proud of the kiss the dog gave him on the cheek. All of this great experience and both of my camera's batteries were dead!
I am so grateful for all the people who voluntarily take care of and train dogs to do this. They are a blessing to parents and family who's child or loved one is missing. My family will gladly give up a Saturday morning, or any day, to help train and rehearse them.
Thank you G.L. and Jennifer Potts (members of our church) for inviting us today!