A 100-pound dog who became too exhausted to walk two miles into a Pennsylvania mountain trail has been carried to safety by six volunteer firefighters, in a rescue that took four and a half hours.
The dog, named Sable, had been hiking the Golden Eagle Trail in Tiadaghton State Forest with her owner when she suddenly became exhausted and could not go on. She was nearly two miles from the trailhead.
Her owner flagged down a volunteer firefighter – not for himself, but for his dog. After the call went to 911, six members of the Waterville Volunteer Fire Company hiked up to reach her.
“It is really steep up in there, and these mountains are kind of unforgiving,” firefighter Tiffany Young said. “She was a sweet girl, and she really, really needed us desperately, so we were happy to be there for her.”
Knowing there was no easy way down, the crew loaded Sable into a rescue basket and started the long carry back. The steep ground made it slow going.
At times only two firefighters could hold the basket. On easier stretches all four corners were carried, and in the steepest spots they coaxed Sable into taking a few careful steps herself before lifting her again. She had water throughout and was kept to the cooler parts of the trail.
Firefighter Tiffany has volunteered with the fire company for 30 years, but said this rescue was unlike any other she’d encountered.
“We do not just care about humans. We care about our furry friends. Sable was no exception,” she said.
The whole rescue took four and a half hours before the team reached the trailhead.
The Waterville Volunteer Fire Company later shared photos on Facebook, writing: “Not only are we here to support our local humans, but our furry friends as well.”
Young later connected with Sable’s owner, who said the senior dog is expected to make a full recovery.
