With a single sniff of a scent article, Hapi set off in search of a missing person. Eleven minutes later, the deaf-blind dog had found them – and made history.

He is the first deaf-blind dog anywhere to pass the Mantrailing Global Level 1 Assessment, completing the challenge on his first birthday, the youngest age at which any dog is permitted to attempt it.

The Australian Shepherd x Poodle x Whippet cross was born unable to see or hear and relies entirely on smell and touch to navigate the world. Yet, working alongside his handler, Rosie Storey, he passed the demanding assessment in Rockcliffe, Cumbria.

For Rosie and her husband, Robin, from Lockerbie in Dumfries & Galloway, the achievement was the culmination of a promise they made when Hapi first came home: that his disability would never be allowed to define him.

Drawing on years of experience with deaf dogs, the couple concentrated on building Hapi’s confidence and independence rather than sheltering him from the world.

“Years of living with deaf dogs taught us that they weren’t ‘less’, they just needed different ways of communicating,” Rosie (pictured below with Hapi) said. “From the beginning, we wanted Hapi to have the same freedom, confidence and independence that all of our dogs have enjoyed. First and foremost, he is a dog with all the normal needs of any dog. He’s also a mix of two high-drive working breeds and a hound, so meeting those needs was always our priority. His disability comes last, we adapt when we need to, rather than limiting him before we’ve even tried.”

That philosophy shaped Hapi’s life from puppyhood. Instead of stepping in whenever he encountered a difficulty, Rosie and Robin gave him the space and support to work things out for himself.

“As a puppy, we gave Hapi every opportunity to learn for himself rather than overprotecting him,” Rosie added. “We allowed him to make mistakes, used scent to help him overcome bigger challenges such as stairs, and gradually expanded his world as his confidence grew. We also played lots of games to make sure he always knew how to find his way back to us. Watching him become such a confident, happy dog has been incredibly rewarding.”

Rosie also worked with local behaviourist and trainer Caroline Johnson, of Paddaburn Canine Adventures, using scent sports and mantrailing as the foundation of Hapi’s training.

Mantrailing involves training a dog to locate a specific missing person by following their individual scent. Hapi showed an early aptitude for the sport, completing his first trail at just eight weeks old.

As he progressed, mantrailing helped him learn to negotiate stairs, kerbs, changing terrain and unfamiliar environments while developing his problem-solving ability.

Rosie, Robin and Caroline set Team Hapi an ambitious target: he would attempt his Mantrailing Global Level 1 Assessment on his first birthday.

On 11 July 2026, the team travelled to Rockcliffe for the test. Hapi and Rosie were required to locate a missing person along a trail measuring between 200 and 400 metres. It included a 90-degree turn at a junction offering several possible routes and had been laid between 30 and 60 minutes before the assessment began.

Hapi took one sniff of the missing person’s scent article and set off. Working the trail with his trademark enthusiasm – and a few joyful skips – he found the missing person in just 11 minutes.

Caroline said the world-first achievement showed what patient, focused training could unlock.

“Team Hapi are truly inspirational,” she said. “Through scent work and mantrailing, Rosie and Robin have enabled Hapi to grow into a confident, joyful young dog who brings happiness to everyone he meets. This world-first achievement demonstrates what is possible when we focus on a dog’s abilities rather than their disabilities. With patience, understanding and the right training, dogs can achieve extraordinary things.”

She added: “Working with Hapi is an absolute privilege. Although I’ve worked with dogs for more than 25 years, he teaches me something new in every session. He is an incredible ambassador for what dogs are capable of and a much-loved member of the Paddaburn family.”

While Hapi’s success may be exceptional, the trainers behind it are keen to emphasise that scent work is not only for record-breaking dogs. Mantrailing and similar activities can provide mental stimulation, build confidence and strengthen the bond between dog and handler, regardless of age, breed or temperament.