Danger Below There could be a sound or smell undetectable by humans, but not undetectable by Ebbey.
Every time we go out into the wilderness, Ebbey smells, hears and even sees many things beyond my sensory capabilities. Most of the time her reaction suggests potential prey. Something like a squirrel, which she loves to chase. But when Ebbey is working as a search dog, she is totally focussed on finding human scent. Even a squirrel running under her nose cannot distract her.
Considering her hunting breed heritage, Rhodesian ridgeback and possibly labrador retriever, it is amazing that Ebbey can do this. From a young age, her hunting instincts were redirected towards tracking down human scent.
So on those rare occasions when Ebbey does stop searching, it really gets my attention. I'm not talking about when a dog loses the scent trail. That reaction is totally different. The rare occasions I'm referring to, mean life or death. That is Ebbey and or my life or death.
Though I don't always identify the threat, experience tells me that only a cougar, bear or avalanche will stop Ebbey from searching.
About five minutes after these photos were taken, Ebbey then continued searching. About fifty footsteps downwards, I discovered fresh grizzly tracks along the trail. A big sow with two tiny vulnerable cubs.
Written by Mikella, Ebbey's handler.
