Sierra Madre Search and Rescue

As part of their commitment to go “anywhere in the wilderness that someone needs help,” the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team (SMSR) rescues not only people but also dogs.

On March 17th SMSR responded to an exhausted dog near Chantry Flats. Heidi was hiking with her family and became too tired to continue. SMSR team members hiked in Sturtevant Falls trail with a wheeled litter to transport Heidi out.

Each year SMSR responds to approximately 100 calls, usually for lost or injured people, but occasionally for animals. Since 2006 the Team has rescued 39 animals including 4 horses, mules or donkeys, 1 bear and 34 dogs.

About half of the dog rescues are for exhausted or overheated dogs. These dogs may simply require transportation in a wheeled litter, but overheated and dehydrated dogs need immediate treatment. Last summer on Mount Wilson Trail, SMSR helped a German shepherd named Bailey who had heat stroke. She was cooled in the field with water and ice packs before being urgently transported off the hill so she could get to the vet.

The other half of dog rescues are for injured or stranded dogs. Dogs can quickly take off after deer or squirrels and become stuck at the bottom of a canyon or on top of a cliff. In 2014 Buster tumbled down a 150 foot cliff dislocating a hip. SMSR hoisted Buster up to the trail and wheeled him out to the trailhead.

SMSR maintains an emergency dog kit including a dog rappelling harness and treats. Many team members are dog owners and dog lovers. They are just as happy to rescue a dog as a person. As the Team has seen, if they don’t assist dogs, owners will attempt a rescue themselves. SMSR does not want owners to risk injuring themselves. It is safer and easier for the Team to rescue a dog than have to rescue a dog and their owner.

One team member explained, “Dogs know that we are there to help them. I've never had an issue with a dog being anything other than grateful.” Other team members echoed this sentiment, and one added, “They never make excuses for what happened.”

SMSR consulted with local veterinarian Dr. Debbie Hu from Family Dog and Cat Hospital to create guidelines to consider before hiking with your dog.

• Dogs build physical fitness just like you. If your dog only takes walks around the block, they’re not ready for a 14 mile trip to Mt. Wilson.
• Know your dog. Short snout breeds like pugs and Boston terriers are not great hikers. They are especially prone to exhaustion and overheating.
• If temperatures will reach 75℉ carefully consider how dark your dog’s coat is and how much shade is on the trail.
• If temperatures will reach 80℉ it is best for your dog to stay home.
• Carry enough water for you and your dog.
• Keep your dog on leash.

Since 1951, the all-volunteer Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team has responded to calls for help in the local mountains and beyond. SMSR also provides a range of wilderness safety programs. The Team never charges for any of these services, and is funded entirely by charitable donations. For more information, to donate, or to arrange a wilderness safety demonstration for your school or group, visit www.smsr.org.