[ Patent / Hugger to the Rescue ]
Dorothy Hinshaw Patent (b 1940) is an American naturalist, educator, and writer, primarily of educational works for younger readers. William Muñoz is an American photographer specializing in photo-illustrated books for young readers.
This book, published in 1994 (Dutton Juvenile), details the training and exploits of four SAR-trained Newfoundlands during their time with the (now-defunct) Black Paws Search and Rescue organization, developed by Susie and Murphy Foley. The NCA website has a page about Newfs and SAR which also makes note of this book.
Here's a blurb about the book from Booklist:
Gr. 2-5. Patent and Muñoz pool their considerable talents to introduce the Black Paws Search, Rescue & Avalanche Dogs team of Bigfork, Montana. Patent describes the training and special equipment used by these Newfoundlands, whose keen sense of smell helps them locate people whether they are buried under an avalanche, submerged in water, or simply lost in the woods. She points out that although these animals search instinctively, instruction can greatly enhance their abilities. Muñoz's crisp, clear photos capture the consummate skill and loving devotion of these gentle giants (some weigh as much as 160 pounds) that make excellent family pets as well as working dogs. Several shots portraying them in action at sea, under snow, and from the air (being lowered by a helicopter) are particularly intriguing. An excellent addition to the pet or working animal shelf, this will be popular with dog lovers everywhere. Kay Weisman
This book is no longer in print, but used copies are available via Abe Books. Click the image above to see the copies available there.
