Exhausted 110-pound golden retriever carried down New Hampshire mountain, rescuers say
A 7-year-old golden retriever needed rescue from a “strenuous” 9-mile hike in the White Mountains because of a paw injury and exhaustion, New Hampshire rescuers said.
The Appalachian Mountain Club notified volunteer group NH Paw Rescue around 3:30 p.m. Sept. 16 about a 110-pound dog named Crosby in need of assistance on Franconia Ridge, according to an incident report posted to the group’s Facebook page.
Crosby’s owner said he started to slow down about 5 miles into the 9-mile loop, the group said.
After resting at a hut, Crosby made it one more mile before he stopped “due to exhaustion and soft tissue damage on his paw pads,” according to rescuers.
Without appropriate lighting, gear or “canine evacuation supplies,” the owner, who had a second dog with them, called for help, according to the report.
Passing hikers helped carry Crosby down part of the way before rescuers arrived, the report said.
The rescue team “arrived at Crosby’s location at 6:30 p.m., loaded him in a rigid litter, and carried him down to the trailhead” in about 45 minutes,” the group said.
Rescuers said they covered Crosby’s paws with bandages and booties before he was sent home.
Hiking with dogs
NH Paw Rescue reminds people to be conservative when it comes to hiking with dogs, especially if they are large, old or inexperienced.
Hikers should be prepared with appropriate equipment and supplies, including first aid kits for humans and dogs, a dog rescue harness, protective clothing, maps, extra food and water, and headlamps.
The group also cautions owners to be mindful of the weather and the terrain, and suggests checking dogs’ paw pads regularly.
This story was originally published September 20, 2024 at 6:14 PM.
