Nelson dog tracker Don Schwass has become the first human to receive a New Zealand Animal Distinguished Service Certificate of Commendation, an honour usually reserved for animals.
Don, widely known as ‘The Tracker’, has helped reunite hundreds of lost dogs with their owners across New Zealand and Australia through his volunteer work, often supporting families at their most distressed time.
The certificate was presented at the Stoke RSA base on Anzac Day by Nigel Allsopp, president of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation, who travelled from Australia to make the presentation in person.
“It was pretty special being the first person to receive one,” Don says. “It makes it really special and shows the difference I’m making.”
Nigel is a former military dog handler in New Zealand and police dog handler in Australia. He founded the organisation to honour animals that have served, particularly in wartime, and to support animal welfare internationally.
“This award is dedicated to animals,” Don says. “I accept it on behalf of the dogs I’ve had that have never asked to do what they do.”
Nelson MP Rachel Boyack and Nelson RSA member Brian Ramsay, who organises the region’s annual Purple Poppy Day commemorations honouring animals who have served in war, were also on hand to support the presentation.
Rachel says she was proud to be at the presentation.
“Nelsonians can be very proud of Don and everything he does to reunite families across New Zealand with their much-loved furry family members.
“It was a lovely gesture from Nigel Allsopp to present this award to Don on Anzac Day.”
Don says he was initially hesitant about accepting the recognition.
“It’s not why I do it, but it’s very humbling,” he says.
His work focuses on tracking and intelligence gathering, with a strong emphasis on supporting owners as much as locating dogs.
“I was told recently that I’m therapist and tracker,” he says.
Don estimates he receives four to six messages a day and has been trying to travel less and manage cases remotely, which he estimates has a 92 per cent success rate.
“My background was Land Search and Rescue. I was a very good tracker there,” he says.
“It’s like a treasure hunt, the thrill of the chase.”
Don still runs a fish and chip shop in Richmond and does not charge for his work, instead accepting donations to “help keep Banksie’s food bowl full”.
“If you charge something there’s an expectation,” he says. “I want to do my best but can’t guarantee I will find the dog.”
The award also carried special meaning following the recent death of Piper, a dog who worked alongside Don for many years.
“It was nice to accept the award, particularly with the recent death of Piper, she never chose to do any of it,” he says.
Banksie, Don’s young labrador which recently turned one, is now beginning training. Banksie was gifted to Don by Police to support his work locating missing dogs.
“We are just starting training and seeing if he’ll make the grade,” Don says.
Despite the recognition, Don remains focused on the work itself.
“I love it as much as the day I started,” he says. “Reuniting dogs is like reuniting families.”
