Stowe, Vermont — Hiking with dogs can be a fun experience. However, you need to know their limits, or it could become a hairy situation.
Last week, Stowe Mountain Rescue detailed a recent situation that required the saving of a hiker and her dog. The situation occurred in the middle of a strenuous hike, as the owner took the female doggo down the Long Trail to Sterling Pond. On the way back, the dog stopped moving and refused requests from her human companion to keep going. The person tried carrying the dog, but got too exhausted and called for assistance.
Stowe Mountain Rescue found the duo and gave freeze-dried liver treats to boost her morale. The rescue crew assessed her to make sure she wasn’t suffering from a serious injury. Ultimately, they determined the canine was likely exhausted, not injured. After attaching her to a sling, they brought her and the hiker back down to safety. Hopefully, she got a lot of belly rubs after making it back home.
The main errors that the hiker made were not checking to see whether the dog was showing signs of fatigue and not bringing a sling. Dog slings that are recommended by Stowe Mountain Rescue include the PMI K9 Harness or the Fido Pro Airlift.
Founded in 1980, Stowe Mountain Rescue is a first responder group that serves the town of Stowe and the surrounding communities around Mt. Mansfield. The crew typically takes around 45-55 calls each year. Funded by Stowe taxpayers, they don’t charge for rescues. It’s part of the Mountain Rescue Association and trains with other rescue squads, like the Vermont State Police.
Image/Video Credits: Stowe Mountain Rescue, WCAX
