Justine Powell

Justine Powell – Dog handler VRA Rescue NSW Search Dogs

Animals have been my passion from a very young age. I have photos of when my parents placed a pug puppy and I in a play pen together, obviously to keep us both amused! From that day on, animals have been a big part of my life. Rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, fish, a horse, and dogs have been my constant companions throughout the years.

My love of animals flowed into my career of nearly 30 years of working as a zookeeper, a job that is suited to me perfectly. Training of animals for cooperative care in zoos has been a huge passion of mine, from being able to brush Sun Bear teeth, hand injections of big cats, blood draws and so much more.

I had always wanted to do Search and Rescue with my dogs. But it was not until recently that I had suitable dogs to do it with. When I saw an advertisement 2 years ago seeking volunteer handlers with VRA Rescue NSW Search Dogs, I jumped at the opportunity to become a handler in Land and Water HRD, and was lucky to be selected.

Little did I know at the time, that I would succeed in having two certified Water Search dogs, a first for Australia. One of my dogs is also dual certified in Land HR. The last 2 years has been a giant learning curve which I have absolutely thrived on combining my two loves, training of dogs and helping others. What a couple of years. Just brilliant!