120-Pound Great Dane Gets Stretcher Ride Down B.C. Mountain After Injuring Paws

Emma MacLeod

9/18/20262 min read

A hiking trip near Revelstoke, B.C., ended with an unusual mountain rescue last weekend after a 120-pound Great Dane injured her paws and could no longer make the trip back down.

The 10-year-old dog was hiking with her two owners on Mount Macpherson on Sept. 13 when she tore the pads on her paws, according to Revelstoke Search and Rescue manager Ren Bassette.

With the large dog unable to continue and her owners unable to carry her down the mountain, the group called for help.

“She was an angel,” Bassette said. “A 100 per cent good girl.”

Owners Activated Emergency SOS

Bassette said the dog’s owners were concerned that continuing to walk her would make the injuries worse.

They also knew that carrying a 120-pound Great Dane over the remaining distance was not realistic.

The pair activated the emergency SOS function on one of their phones and waited for assistance.

Although provincial funding generally does not reimburse search and rescue organizations for animal-only rescues, Bassette said the situation also presented a safety concern for the owners.

Temperatures were falling quickly, and neither person was prepared to spend the night outdoors.

They also were not willing to leave their injured dog behind.

Fellow Hiker Helped Keep Group Warm

While the owners waited for rescuers to arrive, another hiker stopped to help.

Bassette said the hiker lit a small fire so the group could stay warm as temperatures dropped.

“They were in good shape when we arrived,” she said.

Once on scene, search and rescue volunteers treated the Great Dane’s injured paws, wrapping them in bandages before preparing her for the trip down.

Dog Loaded Into Wheeled Stretcher

The rescue team placed the dog in a wheeled basket stretcher normally used to transport injured people.

Despite her size and the unusual circumstances, Bassette said the dog remained relaxed throughout the rescue.

“She was so calm,” she said. “And she looks like she enjoyed the ride.”

The Great Dane was then wheeled down the mountain while her owners walked behind.

Search and rescue members had also brought extra clothing for the owners to wear during the descent.

Rescue Wrapped Up Around 1 A.M.

The group eventually reached the trailhead, where rescuers helped load the dog into her owners’ vehicle at around 1 a.m.

Bassette said the dog and both of her owners were doing well following the rescue.

What began as a difficult mountain outing ended safely, with one very large and cooperative passenger receiving a memorable ride back to civilization.

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