Colorado backpacker and YouTuber Jason Hawkins shared a moment from a recent hike in which he managed to stumble upon a lost dog alone in the woods. Being a kind person, Hawkins did all that he could to rescue the dog, risking being bitten to bring it back to the trailhead.
Fortunately he was able to use his camera tripod as a leash and eventually get a text out (despite the lack of signal) to the owners. At the end of the day, the small pup was reunited with its family.
If you find a lost dog, the American Humane Society recommends first trying to capture and contain the animal if the conditions allow. Approach the pet slowly and with caution, understanding that there’s a good chance it’s terrified. Speak in a calm voice and coax it with food if necessary. If possible, secure the dog with a leash.
If the animal is agressive or quickly runs away, do not put yourself in harm. Call the local animal control or police department and report the exact area which you last saw the animal.
Once the dog is contained, check for an ID. If there isn’t one, get the dog scanned for a microchip. If there is one, contact the owners to get the pup home.
