A RETIRED search dog who was supposed to be the UK's longest-serving mountain rescue dog has been honoured for her efforts.
Skye, a border collie, conducted 200 searches in the Lake District over her 11-year career until retiring in 2020 at the age of 14.
For her achievements, Skye will be awarded the PDSA Order of Merit, also known as a "animal OBE."
During her service, Skye and her handler, John Leadbetter, 49, searched for missing people in all weather conditions.
The committed canine began her career with the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team as a puppy. She then served as a trainee and graded searchdog for Duddon and Furness MRT before going on to Langdale and Ambleside MRT and, finally, Kendal MRT.
"Skye means everything to me; she's my best friend on the fells, and we're life-long partners," he said.
"Seeing her receive the PDSA Order of Merit is truly humbling and touching, and it's a wonderful recognition of the time and hard work that search dogs and their teams devote to mountain safety."
Her long and famous career has seen her not only protect and assist people in danger, but her ambassadorial work has also helped to raise funds and raise awareness.
Skye is the 36th animal to be awarded the PDSA Order of Merit, which the organisation founded in 2014 to recognise animals for their outstanding contributions to society.
"We are incredibly proud to bestow the PDSA Order of Merit on Skye," stated PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin.
"Her exceptional skills and exceptional devotion above and beyond that of ordinary companionship make her a very deserving recipient, and we believe this is a fitting tribute to her lifetime of dedication and hard work."
"Her long and distinguished career has seen her not only protect and help people in danger, but her ambassadorial work has also helped to raise important funds and increase awareness of the incredible work these Mountain Rescue teams perform."
Skye began her training as a puppy with the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team before becoming a member of the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dog Association.
She conducted searches throughout the Lake District, Lancashire, the Pennines, and Scotland.
She is now nearly 16, and she is spending her retirement with Mr Leadbetter and his family, who claim she still enjoys being out on the hills and fells, albeit at a slower pace.
