Police dogs bring paws of comfort after SAO building collapse
Police dogs were introduced to provide emotional support to families affected by the Office of the Auditor General’s building collapse on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, opposite Chatuchak Market.
Yesterday, April 2, at 3pm, Alongkot Chukaew, deputy director of the National Rescue Dog Organisation, known as K9 USAR Thailand, instructed handlers to prepare their dogs for the mission upon receiving signals from on-site officers.
Alongkot emphasised the importance of readiness, instructing handlers to have their dogs equipped with food and basic first aid supplies.
This mission involved enhanced preparations, including larger oxygen tanks, due to potential hazards inside the building that could affect the dogs’ well-being.
Additionally, inhalers adapted for canine use, under veterinary guidance, were prepared for dogs experiencing respiratory distress. While the exact mission tasks were unknown, readiness was paramount.
Beyond search and rescue efforts for those trapped in the rubble, the K9 dogs played a crucial role in providing emotional support to the families of the missing. Earlier that morning, a dog named Lek was brought to meet the relatives at a shelter to help alleviate stress.
It is believed that dogs can sense human anxiety and offer comfort. The presence of these dogs noticeably uplifted the spirits of the families, easing their worries with their affectionate nature. Lek was chosen for its gentle temperament.
In addition to providing comfort, some dogs were also prepared for the upcoming mission. A white Labrador named Nuan, known for its playful and mischievous nature, was given time to adjust its behaviour before deployment.
Once Nuan was brought outside, it displayed high energy, prompting its handler to allow it to relax by playing in a water basin.
Observations showed that each dog was provided with portable air conditioning units to keep them cool during rest periods, reported KhaoSod.
In similar news, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt clashed with a Bangkok Metropolitan councillor who urged him to leave a collapsed building site in Chatuchak.
The councillor criticised Chadchart’s focus on the area, claiming it was too late to help. The exchange occurred ahead of a BMC meeting, where tributes were paid to earthquake victims.
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