Galway mountain rescue dog forced to retire

A popular English Springer Spaniel who has played a key role in searches for missing people throughout the West of Ireland for the past eight years has been forced to retire.

Hugo, who is a key member of the Galway Mountain Rescue Team (MRT), had been limping badly in recent weeks and a recent visit to the vet confirmed that he was suffering from arthritis in his front legs, joints, and elbow.

Together with his owner, Jarlath Folan, Hugo has taken part in countless mountain rescue operations throughout the past eight years in addition to helping out in search operations for people as far away as Cavan and Wicklow.

The nine year old was hugely popular with the 30 volunteer members of the Galway MRT, as he was the only trained dog in the region who regularly helped out on search and rescue missions. He had assisted in ten searches over the past two years alone.

“However busy we have been on the mountains, the commitment of Jarlath and Hugo to helping in searches was even greater,” said Alan Carr of the Galway MRT.

Both the Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA) and the Galway MRT played glowing tributes to Hugo’s work in rescue missions this week.

“Gardai and the Civil Defence would call them out on a regular basis to help in searches all across the country. Hugo was a tremendous asset to us. He would go into an area, pick up a scent, and greatly improve our efficiency as a search and rescue team,” said Mr Carr.

“That dog has passed multiple assessments and training courses. His retirement is not just a loss for the Galway team, it’s a loss for the rescue services all across the country. It’s hard to imagine how such a valuable member of our team can be replaced.”

Mr Carr said that it took “tremendous commitment” from Jarlath and his family to look after Hugo and maintain his fitness throughout the past eight years.

“I have him since he was a pup and would walk him twice a day,” his owner Jarlath told the Connacht Tribune. “I thought we would get another couple of years out of him, but we had no choice but to retire him after the x-rays showed he was suffering from arthritis.

“He’s the only dog of his type in the West of Ireland and some of the searches he was involved with lasted up to three days.”

Both Hugo and Jarlath featured in a film by Niamh O’Riordan entitled ‘Rescue Me’, which explored the unbreakable bond between them.

“After many years of loyal service, our beloved Hugo has decided to hang up the collar, put the rescue jacket away, and live a well-deserved life in retirement,” said a statement from SARDA this week.

“From everyone in SARDA, past and present, we wish Hugo all the best in retirement and hope to see him out for a visit on training weekends.”