A Heartfelt Farewell to the Dog Who Made History
Croatian firefighting has lost its first search dog, Rain, whose work with handler Zoran Laslavić laid the groundwork for the development of firefighting K-9 search teams in Croatia.
Croatian firefighting has lost its first search dog, Rain, whose work with handler Zoran Laslavić laid the groundwork for the development of firefighting K-9 search teams in Croatia.
The first firefighting search dog in Croatia, Ginger Running Wild, Rain, passed away on August 6, 2026, at the age of 16. Her handler, Zoran Laslavić, originally from Garešnica, bid her an emotional farewell that touched many, recalling their shared journey that paved the way for all future firefighting K-9 teams in the country.
Rain was born on May 5, 2010, and came into Zoran Laslavić's life the same year. The two embarked on a path that had never existed within the Croatian firefighting system before. Together, they underwent numerous trainings, exercises, and missions, traveling across Europe, and Rain became the first firefighting search dog in Croatia.
Laslavić, one of the pioneers of working with search dogs in Croatian firefighting, proudly highlighted her role in creating today's teams. "You were the first. You became the first firefighting search dog in Croatia. Together, we walked a path no one had trodden before us. Because of you and our beginning, firefighting K-9 search teams now exist in Croatia," he wrote in his farewell message, as reported by Klikni.hr.
Over the years, Rain was not just a rescue dog. She took part in training and mentoring dozens of teams, passing on her experience to new generations of search dogs and their handlers. Her contribution goes beyond individual missions, she left a legacy that lives on through firefighting K-9 teams across Croatia.
In his post, Laslavić revealed the depth of their bond, emphasizing that Rain was much more than a working dog. "We slept together, froze together, worked through the nights... but we never, ever gave up, and we carried out every task, every command to the end. You were much more than a working dog; you were my pride, my shadow, my support, and my family," his words read.
Although Rain passed away at the age of 16 and a half, her impact on Croatian firefighting remains indelible. "Thank you for every step, for your unconditional loyalty, and for everything you gave to me, to our firefighting service, and to all those we helped. Rest in peace, my dear soul. I will never forget you, and if I could, I would walk the same path again," Laslavić said in his farewell to his longtime partner.
The story of Rain and Zoran Laslavić stands as a lasting testament to dedication, friendship, and the pioneering spirit that forever changed the rescue system in Croatia.
