Why Everyone Is Falling in Love With This Search and Rescue Dog
Emily Ross
Published Feb 22, 2026
Anyone who's ever seen a cartoon featuring a Saint Bernard digging a stranded mountaineer out of an avalanche and treating him to a bit of brandy to keep him warm has undoubtedly wondered what it would be like to see that proud, goofy face burst through a ceiling of snow in real life. And while experts will tell you that the brandy barrel is largely a myth, it's very much true that dogs of all breeds are still used to rescue people buried in an avalanche, and that one dog can "search one hectare (2.5 acres) in approximately 30 minutes, while 20 humans using avalanche probes would take around four hours to cover an equivalent area." This makes search and rescue dogs absolutely vital, as a human's chances of surviving after being buried in an avalanche drops to 30 percent after the first half hour.
On Tuesday, Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England shared a video showing precisely what it's like to be discovered by one of these "happy search and rescue dogs." Obviously, it quickly went viral, because it is beyond adorable. First, you hear the barks, then some furious digging, a snoot in the snow, and a face absolutely elated at a job well done.
Ever wondered what it would be like to be buried in snow and found by one of our happy search and rescue dogs? (Video version).
— Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England (@SARDAEngland) February 19, 2019
The dog's name is Flo, and she's a 4-year-old Border Collie who is, according to the website, an "extremely intelligent, confident young dog with remarkable work ethic and drive" who is known "for her unusually tall upright ears." Since January 17, she has responded to over 30 call outs for missing people.
Many of you have asked about the dogs name.
She is Search Dog Flo, a Border Collie from @edalemrt in the Peak District.
She is almost 4 years old and is a brilliant search dog.See more of our dogs at #MeetOurSearchDogs or on our website:
— Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England (@SARDAEngland) February 20, 2019
Of course, everybody on the Internet loves her.
I don't know what would make me happier in that situation – the thought that I'd been rescued from an avalanche, or the fact that I'd get cuddles from a happy dog until help arrived 😊 That is possibly the best way to get rescued from a traumatic situation
— Lisa Ann Pasquale 🏴 (@LisaAnnPasquale) February 20, 2019
Dogs literally live to make you happy and we are not worthy.
I love this. I love it. "DON'T U WORRY HOOMANS CUZ I IS HERE TO RESCUE U!"
We don't deserve dogs. 😭 ❤️ 🐶
— Randi Lee (@theonerandi) February 20, 2019
And, yes, she is an expert in cuddles.
So long as they have their favorite toy for finding you, our dogs excel in giving casualties warm cuddles (if they are not injured naturally).
— Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England (@SARDAEngland) February 20, 2019
For more canine hero stories, check out this Mexican earthquake rescue dog who was so prolific in her efforts she recently got her own statue.
To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life, click here to follow us on Instagram!
Diana Bruk Diana is a senior editor who writes about sex and relationships, modern dating trends, and health and wellness.Read moreRead This Next10 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.March 21, 2017Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.November 15, 2016Driving Tips Smart Men Know
Ten easy ways to be the safest driver on the road. April 3, 2017Men Who Set the Time: Cash Warren
The successful producer, entrepreneur and husband of Jessica Alba reveals how you, too, can live your best life.October 31, 2016Dr. Oz: The Best Life Interview
Mehmet Oz, M.D., asks the toughest question: Are you living or dying?October 23, 2016Dr. Oz's 15 Best Life Tips
October 23, 2016The One That Got Away
A single nutrient—omega-3 fatty acids—may have turned early humans into civilized man. Has stripping it from our diet given rise to cancer, diabetes, and other civilized diseases? Our correspondent investigates.February 23, 2017George Clooney Is Having Twins. Here's What Women Everywhere Are Saying About It
The legendary ladies' man who once swore off fatherhood went from zero to "Full House" very quickly—and the Internet has responded.February 10, 2017Celebrate Spring with These 15 Instagram Goddesses
Nothing heats up social media quite like sunshine.April 6, 2017Fiction: "Tranquility"
Some men find peace by searching for meaning. Others find it by abandoning the quest.October 14, 2016
