Paul Besley talks to John D. Burns about his life in mountain rescue as a search dog handler. He speaks about how his relationship with his dog, Scout, developed and the lessons in life they learned together. He also explains about how he has come to terms with a life limiting diagnoses and how living in the moment has changed his perspective on life.
In an early experience in the Lake District a young Paul stepped on an innocent section of snow, he still can’t recall exactly what happened next. Minutes later he opened his eyes to find himself on a snow covered boulder field. He had a large gash in his head and his leg was broken. Somehow, despite lapsing in and out of consciousness, he was able to call for rescue and provide the team searching for him with his precise location.
It was a long and difficult rescue but eventually he was off the hill and recovering in hospital. Grateful for being pulled from a life threatening situation by a group of volunteers Paul was determined to say “Thank You” in the best way he could. He set about becoming part of his local rescue team, wanting to give back the same care he had received when he was a casualty.
Scout
In time he decided that his set of skills would be best suited to working with a search dog. That is when Scout came into his life. After years of methodical training he and his dog would go on take part in many rescue operations, saving the lives of those facing danger on the hills.
“I always thought the best number on the hill was one but now I know it’s one plus a dog,” says Paul talking of his time with Scout.
In his book Paul talks about his relationship with his dog and how his companion in the mountains began to take care of him as their roles changed.
Sadly Paul’s health began to fail and he was diagnosed with a terminal illness which means his life will be shorter then he expected. despite this catastrophe Paul has maintained a positive attitude and has learned to live each moment in the moment.
Paul’s book will inspire its readers with his thirst for life. He is someone who said thank you and made an enormous contribution in doing so.
Thank you Paul.
If you would like to support the incredible work of mountain rescue please click here
