New York City has a rat czar, and Scotland has Reid. This six-year-old springer spaniel doesn’t spend his time fetching sticks or chasing his tail – Reid is on a mission to save endangered seabirds from the clutches of villainous rats.

With the help of his trusty handler, Rachel Cripps, Reid uses his nose to take on the rodents threatening Scotland’s seabird colonies, including Northern Gannets and Puffins. This canine crusader has been trained to sniff out rodents, rat nests, and even the tiniest rat droppings.

He’s like a furry Sherlock Holmes solving the mystery of endangered species. And let’s not forget his impressive resume – Reid safeguards 38 seabird islands, including Bass Rock and St Kilda. That’s right, folks, he’s got more territory than a Game of Thrones character!

Reid’s role as an educator

You might be wondering, “Why all the fuss about rats?” If he could speak, Reid would quickly inform you that these pesky critters pose a serious threat to seabird colonies. A single pregnant rat can turn into 300 rats in just eight months. And did you know rats can swim? Yes, these furry fiends can paddle their way between islands, making Reid’s job even more challenging. But fear not, for our hero is always up to the task.

When he’s not busy saving seabirds, Reid takes on a different role – educator extraordinaire. He visits schools, teaching kids about the importance of conservation. Reid’s heroic efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. He’s been crowned “Animal of the Year” by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at the BAFTA in London.

Rachel, beaming with pride, couldn’t be happier. And honestly, who wouldn’t be proud of a dog that’s not only adorable but also an exceptional environmentalist?

Read more about Reid via the Scotsman and Daily Record.