After two trekkers and their dog failed to return after a stroll on Scafell, a Lake District mountain rescue team was dispatched.
On Tuesday, about 11.30 p.m., the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was summoned after a worried family member raised the alarm.
Due to the weather and the risk of hypothermia, a full callout was sent, with extra assistance from the Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team and the Lake District Search Dogs.
The squad sent to Hollow Stones heard barking and howling and located a light high on Scafell after searching various sites.
They discovered the walkers and their dog Dexter, who refused to move. Despite great urging, the 40kg Doberman/Belgian Malinois mix had opted not to proceed any farther by midnight.
“The walkers were uninjured, cold, and did not want to leave their dog on the fell,” the researchers explained. They were well-equipped to spend an unplanned night on the fell, and we discovered that Dexter had been trained to bark and howl, which originally drew our notice.
“Other rescuers ‘harnessed’ the energy to make the difficult pull up to their location, but no amount of coaxing could get Dexter to move downhill.”
“It was agreed that we would wait for daylight and hope that he would regain his confidence to move downhill with better visibility.” As a result, bivvy shelters were set up for everyone, and a long ‘paws’ began.
“Further attempts were made after a ‘woof’ night as dawn broke, but Dexter stood firm.” As optimism began to fade, a last-ditch effort was made with a 50m rope lead and he was gently urged downhill.
“Thankfully once he started moving there were no further problems and a brisk, boisterous and friendly walk with Dexter was then made back to Brackenclose.”
Kath Beattie studied Journalism at The University of Central Lancashire and now writes for several Travel publications. She recently moved to The Lake District and enjoys walking her 3 dogs every day across the fells.
