Active dogs are a universal truth we all recognize.
No matter if it’s a trip to the dog park or a stroll around the neighborhood, your four-legged companion is always ready for fun.
So when one human made plans for a hike, bringing along his dog and a furry buddy seemed like the perfect choice.
The cheerful trio embarked on their journey, blissfully unaware that they’d later need to enlist extra help to finish it.
Adventure Awaits
As they traversed the stunning trails of Franconia Ridge Loop in New Hampshire, the cute trio was enjoying themselves immensely.
The Golden Retriever, Crosby, managed to complete the fifth mile of their nine-mile hike easily. However, when they approached the sixth mile, his owner noticed that Crosby appeared to be tiring.
Realizing this, the owner decided to pause for a break, allowing his furry friend to catch his breath. After some rest, they managed to complete another mile but had to stop when they observed that Crosby was showing signs of exhaustion and having soft-tissue injuries on his paw pads.
“The weather was fine, but Crosby’s owner didn’t have proper lighting, sufficient gear for comfort, or canine evacuation supplies,” shared NH Paw Rescue in a Facebook update.
Concerned about further injuring Crosby, the owner reached out to New Hampshire Paw Rescue with their predicament.
The rescue team, accompanied by several volunteers, immediately responded and set off to find the trio.
Once they located Crosby, they gently placed him on a sturdy ladder and carried him back down the trail.
“Crosby’s paws were bandaged and protected with booties before he hopped into his owner’s vehicle for some needed rest on the way home,” they noted.
Crosby’s owner took the two pups home, vowing that his furry friend would see a veterinarian first thing in the morning.
Stay Prepared
Following the rescue, NH Paw Rescue took the opportunity to remind their community of the importance of being prepared for situations like this.
“The Franconia Ridge Loop is a challenging nearly 9-mile trek, ascending from 1800′ to over 5200′ [in elevation], exposed for lengthy sections, with rocky ground. These conditions, coupled with the warmer-than-usual September temperatures, were overwhelming for Crosby, a large golden retriever,” they explained.
They also recommended that those hiking in the White Mountains should carry the appropriate gear and supplies, including a map, weather-appropriate clothing, a headlamp, snacks, and a first aid kit.
If you’re planning to take your furry companion along, consider packing a rescue harness, bandages, pet wraps, and paw booties. “Regularly inspect your dog’s paw pads, addressing any injuries before they worsen. Remember that dogs often don’t show early signs of distress, and symptoms may only emerge when the condition is serious,” they advised.
