Morag the Rescued becomes the Rescuer

15th July 2018

Five year old collie, Morag, has just passed her final assessments to be awarded the much sought after Green Tag of a Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dog Association (LDMRSDA) Graded Search Dog, joining Penrith Mountain Rescue Team.

Morag has come a long way since her adoption from Oak Tree Animals’ Charity, in 2014.   Morag was originally found as a stray on the streets of Carlisle and was cared for by the Charity who found her a home with new owner Matt Nightingale. 

Becky Lowis, Community Engagement Officer recalls “When Morag came in to Oak Tree, she was a cautious but very friendly girl who gave great cuddles! She was extremely intelligent but struggled with separation anxiety and also liked to chase cars. We are absolutely delighted to hear that she has done so well in her new home and that she has achieved her Green Tag which both she and Matt have worked so hard to gain.”

LDMRSDA are a specialist team dedicated to the training and deployment of Search Dogs primarily within Cumbria but also further afield if required to search for missing people. Morag and Matt have now joined the callout team meaning they can be called out at any time of the day or night to work in some of the most challenging terrain and conditions. To graduate as a search dog Morag and Matt had to pass over 16 rigorous assessments including avalanche training and multiple searches.

Morag’s handler and Owner Matt Nightingale said “fortunately Morag was an excellent dog for the job. Her playful and gentle nature has made her a favourite among the ‘dogsbodies’ who sit out on the fell in all weather waiting to be found. It took a long time to qualify but by spending 16 months on assessment we have proven ourselves as a reliable search team”