By Nangamso Mabindla

East London police dog-handler Pierre Marx was part of the international rescue mission that helped in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Bam, Iran, last month.

"When I received the telephone call asking me to go to Iran, I couldn't believe that out of 29 specially trained search-and-rescue dog handlers in the country, they chose me," said a proud Marx.

Marx and his dog Mosco, whom he regards as a colleague, were one of four specially-trained search-and-rescue dog handlers in the 46-strong South African team deployed to Bam - and the only one from the Eastern Cape.

His mission was to assist in finding people buried in the rubble of buildings following the earthquake that shook the city of Bam before dawn on December 26. Iranian authorities say 35 000 died in the disaster, with many people trapped in their beds.

Ruins

Almost three-quarters of the city, built primarily of clay bricks, was destroyed, including some buildings that had stood for 2 000 years.

"The city was just a heap of ruins, with very few buildings still standing," Marx said. He and Mosco recovered four bodies from one apartment building that had crashed to the ground. "Mosco pointed out the location of another 10 bodies," he added.

The devastation was such that "even when Mosco found people, we couldn't be sure whether they were alive or dead".

Although the task was a distressing one, Marx said he had learnt much from working alongside rescue workers from other countries for the week that the South African rescue team stayed in Bam. He worked with Norwegian rescue workers and was surprised to find how advanced the South African search-and-rescue dogs were compared to those of his international counterparts.

Dead bodies

"I was surprised to discover that out of the 79 search-and-rescue workers on site; South Africa was the only country that trained their dogs to search for dead bodies. Other countries only train their dogs to find people who are alive."

Marx, stationed with the East London Dog Unit, said his was a very rewarding job as it meant helping people. "When you find a lost person, or the body of someone who has died, it's amazing how appreciative their loved ones are."

He said that "solving cases and bringing smiles to people's faces" was the best reward his job could ever give him - and he could not do it without "colleague" Mosco, a four-year-old German shepherd.

Marx said a lot of the successes he has had were due to Mosco and it is obvious man and beast are very close. "The first thing you need to do to succeed is to be best friends with your dog."

Close bond

It was easy for Marx to form a close bond with Mosco - he was instrumental in training the dog to become one of the best search and rescue dogs in the country. Mosco was donated to the police unit by an East London resident and has been an invaluable member of the squad ever since. "I trained him to the best of my ability and we have developed this special relationship. I can't imagine working with another dog," said Marx.

At home, the 36-year-old Marx loves to relax and catch a game of rugby with his mates from the police force. He is married to Michalene, who is also a police officer. "It's easier when you're married to a police woman because she understands when you're called out in the early hours of the morning to investigate a case."

Marx is committed to his work: "As long as I enjoy my job and lives are saved, there's nothing else the world can offer me."

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