A mountain rescue crew from the Lake District rushed to the aid of an injured and fatigued dog, sledding and carrying the canine home for assistance.
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was contacted for assistance about 6.25pm yesterday, May 13.
The 33kg Akita breed dog named ‘Rocky’ was reluctant to move when its owners were returning from a successful ascent up Scafell Pike on the Langdale side of Esk Hause.
The trouble began on the way down towards Langdale, Keswick mountain rescue team said. The dog was exhausted, injured in some way and “refusing to move”.
Akita dogs were originally used for guarding the nobilty in feudal Japan and have been known to be stubborn on occasion!
Cumbria Police initially assigned the duty to Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, but then reassigned it to Langdale Mountain Rescue Team. However, volunteers from Langdale had already responded to many callouts and passed it on to Keswick because it was on the outside of their area.
Members of the Keswick crew approached via Seathwaite Farm and hiked to Esk Hause through Grains Gill.
Meanwhile, the casualty owners, who were feeling the chill, were advised to make their way towards the Keswick team.
High up Grains Gill, the Keswick crew encountered the casualty and owners.
“The casualty was made comfortable in a cas bag on the stretcher and sledged/carried back to Seathwaite Farm,” the squad reported.
“Despite being a large dog at 33kg, it was a pleasure to carry such a light casualty.”
“Throughout, the casualty remained cool, calm, and positively regal!” The victim and owners were driven to the Keswick team base, where they were met by other members of their party.”
The incident lasted just over 4¼ hours and involved 13 Keswick MRT members.
The National Trust website warns that the long and rocky terrain of Scafell Pike means it is only suitable for dogs “used to long walks in the fells”.
It recommends introducing your dog to a few easier walks before trying to scale England’s highest mountain.
