With a keen nose and a big heart

Search and rescue dogs are true heroes on four paws. They work tirelessly when people go missing – day or night, in all kinds of weather. One such dedicated helper is Fiel, a seven-year-old mix, who works alongside his handler Gabriela Mossyrsch as a volunteer for the Austrian Red Cross. Together with their colleagues in the Baden Search Dog Team, they’re always ready to spring into action when someone is in need. But how did Fiel become a life-saving hero?

From a young age, Fiel was playfully introduced to the skills needed to become a search and rescue dog. Through short, daily training sessions, he learned to focus his incredible sense of smell and tackle a variety of search tasks. To ensure he gathered plenty of experience, he trained in forests, on rubble, and even in the snow. While the training was tough, there was always plenty of fun mixed in – shared adventures with Gabriela only strengthened their bond.

After two and a half years of intensive training, Fiel was ready for his first mission. During the IRO Mission Readiness Test last year, he showed, with all the calm in the world, that he was still very much up to the task. Gabriela speaks of their partnership with great fondness: “We share a special connection. I absolutely love working with him, watching him grow, and seeing how he develops. Knowing that we’re out there together, helping others – it’s truly an incredible feeling.”

These days, they head out on around ten missions a year. Fiel approaches every search with unbridled enthusiasm. He works with focus, independence, and a genuine joy for what he does. Whether they personally find the missing person or another team does, what matters most is that the person is found. Fiel and Gabriela always give their absolute best, because every mission has the potential to save a life – and that’s what truly counts.

In his free time, Fiel recharges by going on walks, enjoying cuddles, and indulging in his unique form of gardening – burying his chew bones. These moments of relaxation are just as important to him as training, because only then can he be fully present and ready to help others during every mission.

Search and rescue dog teams like Fiel and Gabriela are vital in saving lives. Their volunteer work requires the utmost professionalism, as real emergencies are a matter of life and death. Through each training session, test, and mission, they help make the world a safer place.