It is with great sadness that we share the news that Search Dog Abbie has sadly passed away.
For nine years, Abbie served on the incident list with both Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team and Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, working alongside her handler across the Peak District and beyond.
Together, Abbie and her handler attended more than 80 searches, often in darkness, difficult weather and challenging terrain. She made four operational finds and was a hugely valued member of the Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England family.
Abbie officially retired from operational duty on her 12th birthday, but her legacy within search and rescue continues.
Her daughter Izzie is also an operational search dog, working with the same handler, while her granddaughter Kenzie is currently in training to follow in their footsteps.
Three generations of search dogs, all sharing the same handler — a remarkable legacy and a testament to the bond between a handler and their dogs.
Abbie wasn’t simply a working dog. She was a much-loved member of the team and a companion who gave years of loyalty, courage and dedication in the service of others.
Our thoughts are with Abbie’s handler and his family, and with all those within Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team, Oldham Mountain Rescue Team and Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England who knew and loved her.
Abbie leaves behind an incredible legacy — one that will quite literally continue through the next generations.
As is traditional within the Mountain Rescue community, there is one final message for a search dog who has given so much:
“Your search is over. Stand down, Abbie. SD Abbie out.”
Rest easy, Abbie. 🐾
You will never be forgotten. ❤️