Dogs with Extraordinary Jobs

At a South African airport, border collies chase birds to prevent collisions with aircraft. In the UK, a sprocker spaniel’s extraordinary sense of smell and the natural protective instinct of the Anatolian shepherd dog together help in the conservation of endangered species. In Atlanta, a rescue dog helps support a child with autism.

George the Great Dane gives a 13-year-old girl with a life-limiting physical condition physical and emotional support. A search-and-rescue border collie cross named Rocket helps the California Task Force searching for survivors in earthquakes, hurricanes and mudslides. Ruger the anti-poaching dog detects illegal ivory and smuggled wildlife in Zambia. And in Italy, a Newfoundland dog named Reef helps teach a German shepherd the skills she needs to become a water rescue dog.

A German shepherd mix and an L.A. firefighter search for mudslide survivors; spaniels search for underground water leaks; a Labrador learns to read.

A blind woman gets a running mate; a Jack Russell cares for species; a pack of dogs protects rhinos in Kenya; a Border Collie protects visitors in Glacier National Park.

Dogs are using their remarkable scenting skills for lifesaving conservation and pro-active environmental policing; in Canada, a team of canine detectives is sniffing out the destructive invasive zebra mussel.