Dear Friends,

 

We would like to share an amazing story with you.  A german shepherd named Missy, who was stranded in a boulder field on the slopes of Mount Bierstadt since August 5, was rescued yesterday by the heroic efforts of eight dedicated hikers and climbers, including Chris O'Riley, who was enlisted in the effort by Animal Help Now.  

 

 

On Saturday two climbers discovered the dog - alone and dehydrated - in the rough Sawtooth Ridge area between Bierstadt and Mount Evans. The climbers gave the dog food and water but were unable to coax or carry her out of the difficult class three terrain. She was suffering from bloody pads and possible internal injuries. A team of climbers returned Saturday night but could not locate her. Official search and rescue teams were not an option, as they do not respond to animal calls. Substantial efforts to put together a second rescue party failed again on Sunday.  But yesterday a team made their way up Bierstadt equipped with a large backpack, food, water and medical supplies, in the hopes of bringing her down. Fighting a blizzard, the team managed to get the 100 pound dog into the backpack and carry her back down the mountain. 

 

Our hats are off to the rescue team, to the team that went up Saturday night, to the dog for hanging in there through several days and nights, and to the Washburns, who initially found her and then didn't give up on her, dedicating themselves to doing their best to ensure this happy ending.

 

 

Missy was abandoned on the 14er when her guardian/owner and a friend got in over their heads on rough terrain. The guardian/owner was indeed identified by the tags. He made some efforts to get help to her once he got down, but he wasn't at all resourceful, and he gave up on her pretty quickly. The good news is she checked out well at the vet and is remarkably good shape considering what she's been through. At this point, there are no plans to return her to the guardian/owner.

 

As to the bigger picture, Animal Help Now is concerned about the lack of government services available to assist in such emergencies. We met today with several persons involved with animal care and emergencies to discuss steps that can be taken to create a formalized animal search and rescue response system. 

 

For a more detailed account, visit  http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/most-popular/dog-rescue-at-14000-feet.html 

As always, thank you for supporting Animal Help Now, and for your continued dedication on behalf of our animal friends.

 

Sincerely,

The Animal Watch Team                                                                                          

                                                                           

 

Animal Watch

2525 Arapahoe, #E4-705

Boulder, CO 80302

303-543-0755

 

info@awcolo.org 

 

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