Previous Handlers

Lowland Search Dog Matt with Handler Marc Marshal

Matt  a collie had lots of energy and drive to please his handler. Matt is Marc’s first dog and qualified at initial grade lowland search dog, passing in July 2018.  During his 4 year career he had 47 call outs with 2 dog finds and twice locating articles which assisted the police in their enquiries.  Marc is an ex first responder and used to be a special with the Isle of Man Police.  He is also an ex member of Peel Lifeboat

Lowland search dog Holly with Handler Gary Wright

Holly, a  collie lurcher cross who showed great enthusiasm for searching especially with the running out where her speed was evident.  Holly qualified as a  full lowland Search dog and carried out numerous valuable searches during her 8 year career on the call out list, mostly in the Isle of Man but also in Wales.  The team made one find and assisted in other call outs with evacuating casualties. Gary is a member of Civil Defence. Holly was Gary’s first search dog.

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Mountain Search Dog Star with Handler Jim MacGregor

Star was the Islands first Mountain Search Dog and the team  worked through the grades of lowland novice, lowland and mountain novice with SARDA Wales before qualifying in October 2012 at Full Mountain standard with SARDA England.  The team were deployed on numerous call outs since they qualified, mainly in the Isle of Man but also in England and with SARDA Wales. One notable call out was assisting with the April Jones call out one day after assessment in the Brecon Beacons.  Star and Jim served the Isle of Man for over 11 years on the call out list and had numerous successes including two finds in the last year of her service.

Search Dog Lola with Handler Matt Creer

Matt set up SARDA IoM in 2002 with the assistance from Handlers initially in the Lake District and then with SARDA Wales.  Matt and Lola were involved in many call outs which included some finds.  Without his initial vision the organisation in the Isle of Man would not exist today!

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