It is important to be cautious when walking alone, but sometimes it is difficult to find an injured person even if they have a way to call for help. Fortunately, hiking with a loyal dog can save your life.
A 53-year-old man and his Border Collie named Saul are camping in the Tahoe National Forest in California. They spent their time in a remote area hoping for a peaceful trip. But when Saul’s man was injured, there were no people around to witness. So Saul switched to “Lassie” mode to save time.
Dog jumps into action
As the man and dog duo strolled around the beautiful park, the man met a precarious fate. He fell about 70 feet, breaking several ribs and most likely a hip. Somehow, the man was able to get cell service long enough to call the authorities, but that alone wasn’t enough to save him.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue (NCSSAR) task force sent 25 rescuers to the woods to locate the man. They tried to track his location at the time of the call, but they were still having trouble locating him. A few people heard a voice calling for help, but it was difficult to tell where it was coming from. Fortunately, Saul knew how to handle the situation.
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When Saul realized there were others nearby, he ran towards them, leaving his master for a moment. When he met the rescuers, he led them back to his human place, ultimately saving the man’s life.
“Credit really goes to subject’s Border Collie K9 that ran through the woods about 200 yards and in real ‘Lassie’ fashion to mark two searchers,” NCSSAR wrote on Facebook.
A “Lassie” in real life
The man was underneath a camouflage tarp as rescuers arrived. They flew him to hospital by helicopter, where he was being treated for traumatic injuries, including many broken bones.
The rescue team credits their quick success with Saul’s action. At first, the Border Collie had to be transported to another location while his human was cared for at the hospital, but since then, Saul has reunited with the loved one he saved.
The NCSSAR wrote: “The great work and skill of all involved today and for the Border Collie, it was driven back to Grass Valley and enjoyed a well-deserved dinner.
Exploring the path of defeat can be thrilling, but you should exercise caution in the process. Make sure a loved one knows where you’re going and pack all the essentials. Acquainted with Safety tips when camping for parent dogs to help keep both you and your furry friend safe.
Featured pictures: screenshot, nbcnews.com and Facebook
