It’s not every day that Search and Rescue teams find themselves saving a dog, but when they do, it’s a joyous occasion. Anyone who has ventured up a mountain knows how challenging it can be, especially if you’re not in peak physical condition. Meet Rufus, a 190-pound Mastiff who is more accustomed to lounging on the couch than tackling rugged trails. During a hike in Salt Lake County, Rufus became exhausted and injured his paws, prompting a valiant volunteer Search and Rescue team to spring into action and bring him to safety. No need to feel embarrassed, Rufus; we completely understand.
According to a post on the Search and Rescue team’s Facebook page, they received a call about a hefty, injured Mastiff approximately two miles up the Grandeur Peak Trail. Several hikers had alerted Unified Police that Rufus and his owner were stuck on the trail and unable to proceed. Acting swiftly, the Salt Lake County Search and Rescue members made their way up the trail to ensure both Rufus and his human were safely brought down before the temperatures dropped.
The good news? Rufus was successfully packaged into a litter and carefully carried down the mountain. The team noted, “Rufus was a good boy and appreciated the assistance.” Of course, he was a good boy!
The three-year-old pup was hiking with his owner and family on the Grandeur Peak trail. They embarked on what was meant to be a three-hour hike around noon, but after inadvertently straying off the path, they had to navigate a steep incline that drained Rufus of his energy. The rocky terrain also caused injuries to his paws. Despite his owner providing water and preparing to spend the night on the trail with Rufus, other hikers passing by expressed concern for the exhausted dog and called for help once they regained cell service. By nightfall, a dedicated Search and Rescue crew was dispatched to find Rufus.
“This rescue was particularly unique due to Rufus’s size,” remarked Jake Morgan, the team leader. Weighing in at 190 pounds, Rufus was almost the size of a large human, so the team approached the situation as if they were rescuing a person. Ten volunteers arrived equipped with helmets, ropes, radios, and a stretcher, which they had to carry part of the way due to a wheel malfunction shortly into the operation.
“We were ready to strap him down if necessary, but he was exceptionally well-behaved,” Morgan noted, adding that Rufus appeared grateful for the help. Truly the best boy.
To make this rescue even more delightful, the Search and Rescue team shared numerous photos and videos on their Facebook page, allowing the world to witness Rufus being such a good dog. The comments flooded in with joy—people were elated to see Rufus safe and sound.
The heartwarming conclusion to this tale is that Rufus, his owner, and the Search and Rescue team all made it off the trail safely by around 10:30 that night. While Rufus’s adventure ended happily, it serves as a reminder to be prepared when hiking with your furry friend. Always consider that your beloved companion might need a little extra help. And if you ever find yourself in a bind, don’t hesitate to call Search and Rescue; you might just inspire more heartwarming dog rescue stories.
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Summary
Rufus, a 190-pound Mastiff, needed rescue during a hike after injuring his paws and exhausting himself. The Salt Lake County Search and Rescue team successfully brought him and his owner to safety, sharing heartwarming photos of the event. The story serves as a reminder to be well-prepared when hiking with pets and highlights the importance of community support in times of need.
Keyphrase: Dog rescue during hike
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