A VERY INTENSIVE TRAINING CAMP

At the end of October, the regular K9 Rescue CZ training weekend took place. A very diverse program was prepared for the dog handlers. On Saturday morning, a practical tactical exercise awaited the experienced dogs: team deployment into the field via quad bike, systematic forest search, and subsequent training in handling a rescued person. The weather was ideal for an intensive training session, which included various scenarios for searching people in both natural terrain and rubble. Beginners continued practicing movement on unstable surfaces in different forms. Advanced teams methodically progressed in training hidden persons and reinforcing motivation.

One of the highlights of the weekend was a visit from the well-known Czech author and screenwriter Filip Rožek, who brought along his famous four-legged companion Gump. Filip Rožek, author of Gump – The Dog Who Taught People How to Live, shared his experiences and stories from writing and filmmaking with the participants. Gump has become a phenomenon not only among book lovers but also among movie fans who fell in love with the story of this extraordinary dog. Filip shared with the canine handlers his inspiration for writing the book, which not only tells the story of the harsh lives of homeless dogs but also conveys a message of hope, friendship, and unbreakable will. Gump and Filip, who are both involved in rescuing dogs from poor conditions, were the perfect companions for the rescue dogs and their handlers—who themselves dedicate their efforts to helping people after natural disasters.

This special moment amplified the meaning of the entire weekend gathering—mutual support, sharing experiences, and a shared passion for helping others. Next year, our club is facing a truly exceptional event: the hosting of the World Championship for Rescue Dogs. This will require combining all our efforts, securing sufficient sponsors, and flawlessly organizing such an extraordinary event. We will be very grateful for any ideas or proposals for cooperation related to the championship.

The training camp was crowned by an unusual experience—a flight over the town of Soběslav in an “Andula” aircraft, together with our four-legged partners.