DAVE HUDSON & MEG

Photo by Alistair Fuller, ISF

I joined Kent Fire and Rescue Service in 1991 shortly after leaving the R.A.F. and became a UKFSSART member in 1996.  I am currently a watch manager at Ramsgate Fire Station which has the prestigious title of being the oldest operational Fire Station in the UK.

I first became interested in search dogs after seeing them training in Texas whilst I was on my USAR course in 2003.  I quickly realised what an essential ‘tool’ search dogs are to an effective USAR team.  On Boxing Day of the same year our team was one of the teams deployed to Bam in Iran after a massive earthquake.

While I was there I witnessed the dogs working and had the opportunity to converse at length with the handlers, this was the defining moment when I realised that I wanted to train a search dog.

I sourced Meg from a friend who is a successful gun dog handler/breeder.

Meg has a terrific play drive which is essential in a good search dog and as such has made training her relatively easy.  She has a lovely temperament and is a pleasure to be around.

Meg is a true outdoor dog who is kennelled in the garden at out home in Broadstairs.

Being by the sea she loves to swim and play in the surf even in the winter!

A big thank you must go to my partner Ruth who can often be found hiding in parks, cupboards or even under the floorboards!

Further details e-mail Kent Dog Team.