NH Paw Rescue (2024)

17/09/2024

NH PAW RESCUE - Incident Report
“Crosby” - September 16, 2024

Just after 3:30 pm on Monday, September 16, 2024, NH PAW RESCUE was notified by the AMC about a dog (Crosby, 110 lbs, 7.5 yo) with owner (and 2nd dog) in need of assistance at approximately 3250’ on the Old Bridle Path on the west side of Franconia Ridge, NH.

While on a strenuous hike of the Franconia Ridge Loop, Crosby’s owner noticed him slowing down and taking longer breaks approximately 5 miles into the almost 9 mile hike. The group made it to the AMC’s Greenleaf Hut and rested. After resting, Crosby made it almost 1 mile down the Old Bridle Path to 3250’, but then stopped hiking due to exhaustion and soft tissue damage on his paw pads. The weather was stable, but Crosby’s owner lacked lighting, enough gear to stay comfortable, and did not have canine evacuation supplies.

NH Paw Rescue team members and other volunteers hiked up the Old Bridle Path to assist, with the first responder starting up just after 5:00 pm. During this time, passing hikers helped immensely by carrying Crosby down to an elevation of 2060’. The full NH Paw Rescue team arrived at Crosby’s location at 6:30 pm, loaded him in a rigid litter, and carried him down to the trailhead, arriving just after 7:15 pm. Crosby’s paws were bandaged, covered by booties, and he jumped into his owner’s vehicle to rest and head home. Crosby’s owner was planning to seek veterinary care.

ANALYSIS: The Franconia Ridge Loop is a difficult almost 9 mile hike, climbs from 1800’ to over 5200’, is exposed to the elements for long stretches, and has very rocky footing. These factors, combined with warmer than average September temperatures, proved to be too much for a large Golden Retriever like Crosby. There are many takeaways to be learned from Crosby’s experience:
-When hiking in the White Mountains, make sure to take appropriate equipment and supplies (learn more at hikesafe.com/). In particular, make sure you have warm/protective clothing, a headlamp, a map, extra food/water, and a 1st aid kit.
-Be conservative with your dog’s hiking ability, especially with larger and older dogs. Stay on easy/moderate terrain until you and your dog have more experience.
-Pack a dog rescue harness and dog 1st aid supplies including bandaging, vet wrap, and paw booties. Most dogs will not like having paw booties on, but they can enable a dog to walk out with minor paw pad damage. Do not attempt a hike with your dog on the Franconia Ridge (or any other mountain terrain) without this critical gear and the ability to use it.
-Carefully check paw pads frequently, and address any paw pad damage before it gets worse. Keep in mind that dogs don’t often show early signs of paw distress (as many owners expect) and may only exhibit symptoms when it is severe.
-Be cautious in warm weather. While this is very dog dependent, use care above 70 °F and consider avoiding any strenuous activities above 80 °F.
-Keep in mind that dog rescue help in the White Mountains is not available through NH Fish & Game and official SAR teams. If volunteers are available to assist your dog, it may take many hours (or overnight) for help to reach you.

NH PAW RESCUE is an informal group of volunteers available to assist with dog rescue incidents in the mountains of NH. NH PAW RESCUE is not affiliated with human SAR teams in NH or with NH Fish & Game.

COMMENT POLICY: NH Paw Rescue publishes incident reports to keep the public informed about our work and to educate hikers about best practices when hiking with dogs. You are welcome to ask questions or offer advice about hiking with dogs. Please don’t post comments criticizing or shaming dog owners — they are not helpful and increase our workload monitoring social media.

31/08/2024

We'd like to thank some supporters for recent donations!

Thank you to Rebecca and Gary for the generous donation of muzzles and booties. The muzzles help our team members stay safe, which is critical for us to help dogs in stressful situations.

Thank you to Jeannine for the foam pad and space blankets donation. These items will go towards our litter kit.

Have a safe holiday weekend!

20/08/2024

A big thanks to JM in southern NH for fundraising among friends and then donating these items: 2 large & 2 medium Pack-A-Paws, 3 basket muzzles in sizes 4/5/6, and 2 sets of dog booties. We'll be stocking these items (and more) in dog rescue kits at various locations for team members to use during dog hiking incidents. If you're interested in supporting NH Paw Rescue with a product donation, please send us a message or email [email protected]. Thanks for the support!

18/08/2024

NH PAW RESCUE - Incident Report
“Arrow” - August 17, 2024

At 7:30 pm on Saturday, August 17, 2024, NH PAW RESCUE was notified by NH Fish & Game and the AMC about a dog (Arrow, 80 lbs, 7 yo) with owners in need of assistance at approximately 3700’ on the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail on the west side of Mount Washington, NH.

While on a strenuous traverse from Mt Madison to Mt Eisenhower, Arrow’s owners noticed him tiring and showing signs of paw discomfort while approaching Lakes of the Clouds Hut. The group then bailed on their original plan and started to descend the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. Arrow made it down to approximately 3700’ and 1.5 miles from the trailhead, but then stopped hiking due to soft tissue damage on his paw pads. The weather was stable and Arrow’s owners had headlamps and enough gear to stay comfortable while waiting for help.

NH Paw Rescue team members and other volunteers hiked up the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to assist, with the first team reaching Arrow at 11:15 pm. Arrow’s owners were given material and instructions for bandaging his paws and putting on booties to attempt a walk out. Fortunately, with the bandaging/booties applied, Arrow was able to hike all the way to the trailhead with one quick ride in a litter to cross the Gem Pool stream (this was done to keep the booties dry and securely on as long as possible). Everyone reached the trailhead by 1:40 am (Sunday, 8/18) and Arrow’s group was given a ride to their vehicle at the Edmands Path trailhead.

ANALYSIS: As with recent previous incidents, there are many takeaways to be learned from Arrow’s experience:
-Although Arrow had already hiked 35 of the 48 4000’ mountains in NH, his owners didn’t realize how much more difficult this ambitious hike would be. As they remarked when safely down, “The Presis were definitely a different animal, I think that’s a big lesson that we learned today.”
-Pack a dog rescue harness and dog 1st aid supplies including bandaging, vet wrap, and paw booties. Most dogs will not like having paw booties on, but they can enable a dog to walk out with minor paw pad damage. Do not attempt a hike with your dog in the Presidential Range (or any other mountain terrain) without this critical gear and the ability to use it.
-Carefully check paw pads frequently, and address any paw pad damage before it gets worse. Keep in mind that dogs don’t often show early signs of paw distress (as many owners expect) and may only exhibit symptoms when it is severe.
-When hiking in the White Mountains, make sure to take appropriate equipment and supplies (learn more at hikesafe.com). In particular, make sure you have warm/protective clothing, a headlamp, a map, extra food/water, and a 1st aid kit.
-Keep in mind that dog rescue help in the White Mountains is not available through NH Fish & Game and official SAR teams. If volunteers are available to assist your dog, it may take many hours (or overnight) for help to reach you.

NH PAW RESCUE is an informal group of volunteers available to assist with dog rescue incidents in the mountains of NH. NH PAW RESCUE is not affiliated with human SAR teams in NH or with NH Fish & Game.

COMMENT POLICY: NH Paw Rescue publishes incident reports to keep the public informed about our work and to educate hikers about best practices when hiking with dogs. You are welcome to ask questions or offer advice about hiking with dogs. Please don’t post comments criticizing or shaming dog owners — they are not helpful and increase our workload monitoring social media.

08/08/2024

NH PAW RESCUE - Incident Report
“R***r” - August 5-6, 2024

At 5:40 pm on Monday, August 5, 2024, NH PAW RESCUE was notified about a dog (R***r, 85 lbs, 8 yo) with owner and friend in need of assistance at approximately 4900’ on the northwest side of Mt Madison in the Presidential Range. The specific location was on the Pine Link trail and .4 miles northeast of the AMC’s Madison Spring Hut.

While on a traverse of Mt Jefferson, Mt Adams, and Mt Madison, R***r’s owner noticed his slowing pace and what seemed like minor paw pad damage on Mt Adams. The group then bypassed Mt Madison to head straight down Pine Link to a waiting car. At .4 miles past Madison Spring hut, R***r stopped hiking due to significant soft tissue damage on his paw pads. The weather was worsening with incoming thunderstorms, some predicted to be severe. The group lacked headlamps and enough gear to survive the incoming weather and night conditions. R***r’s owner did have a dog rescue sling, but the owner and friend were unable to physically carry a dog of his size.

NH Paw Rescue made a plan to hike up the Valley Way trail, assist the group, get them to the safety of the hut, and descend the Valley Way. Additionally, the owner’s partner (who was capable of carrying R***r) was hiking up the Pine Link trail to assist. The owner’s partner reached R***r’s group and was able to get them to the safety of Madison Spring Hut at approximately 10:00 pm (this was a significant commendable effort in rough terrain and weather, with the .4 miles taking 1.5 hours). NH Paw Rescue team members reached the hut shortly thereafter, administered 1st aid to R***r, and helped the group recover from mild hypothermia. It should be noted that the Madison Spring Hut staff provided significant support at this time and during the whole rescue.

Due to weather/trail conditions and the condition of R***r’s group, it was decided to postpone the carryout until the next morning. One member of NH Paw Rescue spent the night at the hut to coordinate. On Tuesday, August 6, NH Paw Rescue team members and additional volunteers hiked up and brought R***r down the Valley Way trail in a rescue sling, arriving at Appalachia by 2:50 pm.

ANALYSIS: There are many takeaways to be learned from R***r’s experience:
-Check the weather before heading out for your hike and consider less committing options if inclement weather is forecasted.
-Bring dog 1st aid supplies including bandaging, vet wrap, and paw booties. Most dogs will not like having paw booties on, but they can enable a dog to walk out with minor paw pad damage.
-Carefully check paw pads frequently, and address any paw pad damage before it gets worse. Keep in mind that dogs don’t often show early signs of paw distress (as many owners expect) and may only exhibit symptoms when it is severe.
-Headlamps are a critical item when hiking, even when you think your hike will be completed well before dark. If you can’t see, it can be difficult or impossible to move.
-Bring enough gear to survive inclement weather in the mountains. Hypothermia during the summer in the White Mountains is a real threat and has led to many fatalities. You don’t have to bring a huge pack with luxury items, but at least bring enough gear to live through inclement weather and a longer than expected adventure.
-If you buy a dog rescue sling, practice with it at home and on local trails so you know how to use it and know you can physically handle evacuating your dog.
-Keep in mind that dog rescue help in the White Mountains is not available through NH Fish & Game and official SAR teams. If volunteers are available to assist your dog, it may take many hours (or overnight) for help to reach you.

The peaks of the northern Presidential Range (S to N: Washington, Clay, Jefferson, Adams, Madison) have very rough terrain and sharp rocks that can easily damage dog paws. This is especially true on less traveled trails. Dog paw damage can progress from minor to significant in a short distance due to the abrasive rock surface. Significant dog paw damage can subsequently turn your hike into an emergency for the dog and humans. You should strongly consider leaving your dog at home when hiking these peaks, especially if the dog is large and/or older.

COMMENT POLICY: NH Paw Rescue publishes incident reports to keep the public informed about our work and to educate hikers about best practices when hiking with dogs. You are welcome to ask questions or offer advice about hiking with dogs. Please don’t post comments criticizing or shaming dog owners — they are not helpful and increase our workload monitoring social media.

30/07/2024

NH PAW RESCUE - Incident Report
“Odessa” - July 28, 2024

At 2:40 pm on Sunday, July 28, 2024, NH PAW RESCUE was notified about a dog (Odessa, 65 lbs, 6 yo) in need of assistance at 4500’ on the Jewell Trail on Mt. Washington. Odessa and her owner had ascended the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to the summit and were descending the Jewell Trail when she had trouble continuing due to exhaustion. Odessa’s owner was able to carry her slowly and was advised to do that while two members of NH Paw Rescue responded.

Odessa and owner made it down to just below 4000’. NH Paw Rescue team members reached them around 5:45 pm with extra water and a dog rescue sling. Upon evaluation, it was also discovered that Odessa had soft tissue damage on two paws - the worst of the two was cleaned and wrapped. The owner carried Odessa much of the way out and then a NH Paw Rescue team member took over for the remainder of the hike, reaching the parking lot at 8:15 pm. Odessa’s owner was planning a vet visit as soon as they returned home.

ANALYSIS: Mt. Washington, or any peak in the Presidentials, is a difficult hike for a dog, due to abrasive rocks and high exertion. With valley highs in the 80s (mountain temps in the 60s to 70s), this day turned out to be too much for a double-coated Golden Retriever. NH Paw Rescue recommends avoiding strenuous hikes with dogs in this type of summer weather. If you do head out with a fit dog, bring extra water, a dog 1st aid kit, and gear to evacuate your dog if needed.

NH PAW RESCUE would like to offer these tips based on this and previous incidents:
-When hiking in the White Mountains, make sure to take appropriate equipment and supplies (learn more at hikesafe.com/). In particular, make sure you have warm/protective clothing, a headlamp, a map, extra food/water, and a 1st aid kit.
-Be conservative with your dog’s hiking ability, especially with larger and older dogs. Stay on easy/moderate terrain until you and your dog have more experience.
-Frequently check dog paws for soft tissue damage, especially when hiking on the abrasive rocks found in the Presidential Range and Franconia Ridge.
-Be cautious in warm weather. While this is very dog dependent, use care above 70 F and consider avoiding any strenuous activities above 80 F.
-Include 1st aid supplies for your dog including bandaging material and booties.
-Pack a dog rescue harness (and practice using it) so you have the ability to evacuate your dog. This is critical and can mean the difference between evacuating your dog quickly or waiting many hours (or even overnight) for volunteer help.

COMMENT POLICY: NH Paw Rescue publishes incident reports to keep the public informed about our work and to educate hikers about best practices when hiking with dogs. You are welcome to ask questions or offer advice about hiking with dogs. Please don’t post comments criticizing or shaming dog owners — they are not helpful and increase our workload monitoring social media.

29/07/2024

NH PAW RESCUE Incident Report
"Fuji" - July 27, 2024

At 6:50 pm on Saturday, July 27, 2024, NH PAW RESCUE was notified about a 100 lbs. dog (Fuji) with owner and friend in need of assistance at 5000’ along the Cog Railway tracks on Mt. Washington. After starting a multi-day Presidential Traverse, Fuji started to show signs of paw damage on Mt. Jefferson. After speaking with an RMC caretaker, Fuji’s group decided the best bailout would be down alongside the Cog Railway tracks. Fuji was able to continue on his own from Mt. Jefferson until the tracks, where he stopped walking due to torn pads and exhaustion.

Fuji’s owner and friend were able to slowly carry Fuji from 5000’ down to 3700’, until met by NH Paw Rescue team members and other volunteers just after 9:30 pm. After accepting some water, Fuji was placed on a foam pad in a QuikLitter and slowly carried down towards the Cog Railway base station. The group arrived safely at 11:10 pm, where Fuji’s paws were cleaned and wrapped for further transport. Fuji’s owner was planning to seek veterinary care once home.

SPECIAL STATEMENT: The Presidential Range (especially the northern peaks) have very rough terrain and sharp rocks that can easily damage dog paws. Consider leaving your dog at home when hiking these peaks, especially if the dog is large and/or older. If you do bring along a fit and conditioned dog: use extreme caution, pack dog first aid supplies, and bring a rescue sling or soft litter that you or your group are capable of using to evacuate the dog.

NH PAW RESCUE would like to offer these tips based on this and previous incidents:
-When hiking in the White Mountains, make sure to take appropriate equipment and supplies (learn more at hikesafe.com). In particular, make sure you have warm/protective clothing, a headlamp, a map, extra food/water, and a 1st aid kit.
-Be conservative with your dog’s hiking ability, especially with larger and older dogs. Stay on easy/moderate terrain until you and your dog have more experience.
-Frequently check dog paws for soft tissue damage, especially when hiking on the abrasive rocks found in the Presidential Range and Franconia Ridge.
-Be cautious in warm weather. While this is very dog dependent, use care above 70 F and consider avoiding any strenuous activities above 80 F.
-Include 1st aid supplies for your dog including bandaging material and booties.
-Pack a dog rescue harness (and practice using it) so you have the ability to evacuate your dog. This is critical and can mean the difference between evacuating your dog quickly or waiting many hours (or even overnight) for volunteer help.

NH PAW RESCUE is an informal group of volunteers available to assist with dog rescue incidents in the mountains of NH. NH PAW RESCUE is not affiliated with human SAR teams in NH or with NH Fish & Game.

COMMENT POLICY: NH Paw Rescue publishes incident reports to keep the public informed about our work and to educate hikers about best practices when hiking with dogs. You are welcome to ask questions or offer advice about hiking with dogs. Please don’t post comments criticizing or shaming dog owners — they are not helpful and they increase our workload monitoring social media.

28/07/2024

NH PAW RESCUE Incident Report
"Annie" - July 20, 2024

At 4:54 pm on Saturday, July 20, 2024, NH PAW RESCUE was notified by the AMC of a 45 lbs. dog (Annie) in need of assistance in the Hermit Lake area on Mt. Washington. Annie, 11 years old, was hiking with her owner on Boott Spur when she stopped moving, likely due to a combination of hip arthritis, exhaustion, and dehydration.

Passing hikers were able to help get Annie to the top of the Boott Spur Link trail. One of the hikers then descended the trail to alert the AMC caretaker at Hermit Lake. A K9 litter (stocked at Hermit Lake by NH Paw Rescue) was then used by the owner, hikers, and AMC caretaker to bring Annie down to Hermit Lake. Annie was then carried down the Tuckerman Ravine Trail by the owner, AMC caretaker, and 3 responding members of NH Paw Rescue. Everyone safely reached Pinkham Notch at approximately 7:15 pm, with Annie’s owner planning to drive home instead of camping another night.

NH PAW RESCUE would like to offer these tips based on this and previous incidents:
-When hiking in the White Mountains, make sure to take appropriate equipment and supplies (learn more at hikesafe.com). In particular, make sure you have warm/protective clothing, a headlamp, a map, extra food/water, and a 1st aid kit.
-Be conservative with your dog’s hiking ability, especially with larger and older dogs. Stay on easy/moderate terrain until you and your dog have the experience and supplies necessary for more strenuous hikes.
-Frequently check dog paws for soft tissue damage, especially when hiking on the abrasive rocks found in the Presidential Range and Franconia Ridge.
-Be cautious in warm weather. While this is very dog dependent, use care above 70 F and consider avoiding any strenuous activities above 80 F.
Include 1st aid supplies for your dog including bandaging material and booties.
-Pack a dog rescue harness (and practice using it) so you have the ability to evacuate your dog. This is critical and can mean the difference between evacuating your dog quickly or waiting many hours (or even overnight) for volunteer help.

NH PAW RESCUE is an informal group of volunteers available to assist with dog rescue incidents in the mountains of NH. NH PAW RESCUE is not affiliated with human SAR teams in NH or with NH Fish & Game.

COMMENT POLICY: NH Paw Rescue publishes incident reports to keep the public informed about our work and to educate hikers about best practices when hiking with dogs. You are welcome to ask questions or offer advice about hiking with dogs. Please don’t post comments criticizing or shaming dog owners — they are not helpful and they increase our workload monitoring social media.

NH Paw Rescue

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