Dog Helps Rescue Owner Who Fell 70 Feet in California Forest

Saul, a black Border collie, helped lead search and rescue crews to his owner, who was lying on the ground covered in a camouflage tarp.

A dog saved his owner, who recently fell 70 feet during a hike by leading rescuers to the 53-year-old man. The search operation took place in Nevada County, California, on July 12, according to a Facebook post by the Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue non-profit.

Saul, a black Border Collie, and his owner were hiking on a trail near Tahoe National Forest when the man fell approximately 70 feet. Tumbling down seven stories left the person with broken ribs and hip, whose name had not been disclosed.

SAR responded to the scene after the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (shortened as CalFire) requested assistance in the search for the quinquagenarian.

“25 SAR Members responded and located the subject, but the true credit goes to the subject’s k9 Border Collie that ran through the forest approximately 200 yards and in true” LASSIE” fashion to flag down two searchers and led them back to the subject which was covered in a camo tarp,” the volunteer organization said.

Speaking to KCRA, a California-based TV station, Sergeant Dennis Haack said, “At first, we didn’t believe it because it sounded like a movie.” But, he added, “When they came back and described it to us, the reality was that they had followed the dog directly to the victim.”

The hiker was transported to a landing zone less than a kilometer away, where the Helicopter Rescue Team (HRT) of the California Highway Patrol was standing by to airlift him.

As for the Border Collie, he was given a ride home and enjoyed a well-deserved treat.