Meet the Washington Mudslide Rescue Dogs

As the search for missing persons in the aftermath of a massive mudslide in Washington enters its second week, some searchers will be taking a much-needed break.

Rescue dogs, who have been essential in the search for victims of the mudslide that hit Oso, Wash., on March 22, will be getting some rest after working long hours in the cold and rain, rescue crews said Sunday. The dogs can lose their sensing ability if overworked, officials said, according to the Associated Press.

“The conditions on the slide field are difficult, so this is just a time to take care of the dogs,” said Kris Rietmann, a spokeswoman for the team working on the eastern portion of the slide.

Dogs from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that arrived more recently will continue working, said Heidi Amrine, another spokeswoman for the operation.

Late Saturday, authorities revised the number of people believed to be missing from 90 to 30, while the official death toll edged up to 21.

Below, a look at some of the search and rescue dogs at the site.

Rick Wilking/Reuters

Tryon the rescue dog waited to go through the decontamination area after searching for victims in Oso, Washington on Sunday.

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

Search dog Stratus jumped over debris last Tuesday.

Rick Wilking/Reuters

Rescue dog Nexus was cleaned after searching for victims Sunday.

Elaine Thompson/Press Pool

Rescue workers search with an unidentified search dog on Saturday.

Matt Mills McKnight/European Pressphoto Agency

Search and rescue member Joanne Varney, left, with dog mADDee, last Tuesday.

Washington National Guard, Spc. Matthew Sissel/Associated Press

An unidentified search dog waited to be washed after searching through debris last Thursday.