A Border Collie who helped search for survivors among the wreckage of the Clutha Bar helicopter disaster has sadly passed away aged 14.
Taz was given a national hero award for his stellar efforts after being drafted in to help at the scene in Glasgow with his Trossachs Search and Rescue colleagues.
The highly-trained pooch was originally rescued from a Stirling Council dog shelter by handler Gayle Wilde when he was just four-months-old.
He soon qualified as an urban search and rescue dog and has helped in countless missions across the country over a distinguished 10-year career.
Taz was one of three dogs deployed by the Aberfoyle based rescue team who helped after a police helicopter crashed into the packed Glasgow bar in November 2013.
He was applauded for his bravery in Kennel Club’s Friends for Life awards in 2018 and was later crowned the winner.
Taz, who had since retired, sadly passed away on Friday evening with his beloved family by his side.
Sharing the heartbreaking news, owner Sarah Wilde wrote: “This is a status I always knew I would have to write one day, however nothing could have prepared us for the heartache we now feel.
“Earlier this evening we had to say goodbye to our beloved Taz. In 14 years he achieved so much.
“He dedicated over 10 years of his life to Trossachs Search and Rescue, attending callouts to the Clutha incident, numerous missing person searches, collapsed structures, represented the team at fire station and police station open days, going on to become the senior search dog for the team.
“In 2018, Taz won Outstanding Life Of A Working Dog at Crufts and got to strut his stuff on the hallowed green carpet of the Genting Arena.
“He was Gayle’s best friend and right hand. He was a much loved brother to Charlie, Elvis, Louie and Merlin.
“He will hopefully inspire Merlin to one day become a qualified search dog just like him.
“He was always a snuggly affectionate boy from the very first time I met him, my world is going to be a much darker place without him in it.
“He has been laid to rest in our garden next to his sister Charlie who I know will look after him along with Mitch, Spook, Bramble, Dixie, Jed, Heleth, Garrin, Big Glen, Sadie, Gigha, Meg and the others.
“Rest in peace our beautiful boy. I am so proud of you and all that you have achieved. For a dog that came out of the council pound at 16-weeks-old, you have led a truly remarkable life.
“I have been so incredibly proud to be your mum. I miss you already hero boy.”
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