On Friday, July 10, WASART joined several King County Search and Rescue units to assist an injured dog on the Pacific Crest Trail.
This rescue was truly a team effort, with members from King County Explorer Search and Rescue (KCESAR), Seattle Mountain Rescue (SMR), King County Ski Patrol Rescue Team (SPART), King County 4×4 Search and Rescue, and WASART working together to help the dog and its owner safely make their way back to the trailhead.
After the dog’s injured paws were bandaged, the pup was able to walk most of the way out under his own power, receiving some assistance along the way—including being carried in a sling when a break from walking was needed.
The best part? Seeing one very happy dog safely back at the trailhead.
Incidents like this are also a good reminder that our dogs can experience many of the same challenges we do on the trail—and they can’t always tell us when something is starting to hurt.
If you hike with your dog:
Check their paws regularly for cuts, abrasions, torn pads, and debris
Carry enough water for both you and your dog
Bring a dog-specific first aid kit, including supplies to protect an injured paw
Watch for signs of overheating, exhaustion, or changes in behavior
Know your dog’s limits and consider the terrain, distance, and conditions before heading out
Have a plan for how you would get your dog out if they could no longer walk
A dog that hikes in on their own may not always be able to hike back out—and carrying even a medium-sized dog for several miles can be much harder than most people expect.
We’re grateful to all of the King County Search and Rescue volunteers who worked together to bring this team safely back to the trailhead. Different units. Different skills. One shared goal.
Adventure together. Plan for the unexpected. And take care of those paws.
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Beau – Goat Over a Cliff in Clinton