Whaia: A talented rescue dog with big vet bill

Whaia is a four-year-old avalanche rescue dog star. Avalanche dogs are specially trained to detect people buried under snow by avalanche and save lives.

He started work when he was two and progressed from Trainee to Novice to Operational Search Dog in his first season. In his second season he progressed to Advanced Operational Dog. Effectively he is first equal in the country for talent.

Three months ago, disaster! Whaia miscalculated while crossing the street and got pushed along by a vehicle that was unable to stop in time. His hind paw was badly damaged. Miraculously, the skilled vets at Massey have reconstructed the damaged bones in Whaia’s foot and after many weeks of enforced rest and recovery in dog hospital he is regaining mobility.

Whaia’s owner Phil Couch says Whaia has turned the corner and will hopefully continue to regain confidence and speed and start being a dog again.

But the recovery hasn’t been cheap. At last count the cost of Whaia’s treatment was $10,000 and growing. His insurance isn’t nearly enough.

His handler, Phil, is a professional ski patroller at Turoa Ski area, with many years’ experience. He’s been an operational member of Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation for about 30 years and has been training and working his avalanche rescue dogs for almost as long.

It’s a labour of love, training and running a rescue dog, mostly at Phil’s own expense that helps make the slopes safer for mountain visitors and workers. Many regulars at Turoa have enjoyed the sight of Phil patrolling on the slopes with Whaia, and in years past with Ice and Bess, ready to response to an avalanche emergency at short notice.

Phil needs a helping hand to cover the cost of Whaia’s surgery and on-going treatment and rehabilitation so that Whaia can get back to work.