Firefighters Spend 4.5 Hours Carrying Exhausted 100-Pound Dog Down Mountain to Safety

July 19, 2026

Six volunteer firefighters spent four and a half hours carrying a 100 pound senior dog down a rugged mountain trail after she became too exhausted to walk, refusing to leave her behind until she was safely reunited with her owner.

Waterville Volunteer Fire Company

The rescue began when a hiker flagged down a volunteer firefighter, not because he needed help himself, but because his dog did.

The man had been hiking the Golden Eagle Trail in Pennsylvania's Tiadaghton State Forest with his senior dog, Sable, when she suddenly became exhausted and could no longer continue. Nearly two miles from the trailhead, the 100-pound dog was unable to make the journey back on her own.

After the call was reported to 911, six members of the Waterville Volunteer Fire Company hiked into the mountains to reach her.

Knowing there was no easy way out, the firefighters placed Sable into a rescue basket and began the long trip back. The steep terrain made the rescue especially challenging. At times only two firefighters could carry the basket, while on other stretches they were able to rotate between all four corners. In the steepest areas, they even encouraged Sable to carefully take a few steps herself before lifting her again.

"It is really steep up in there, and these mountains are kind of unforgiving," firefighter Tiffany Young said. "She was a sweet girl, and she really, really needed us desperately, so we were happy to be there for her."

The team worked together for four and a half hours before finally reaching the trailhead. Throughout the rescue, Sable had access to water and remained on the cooler parts of the trail whenever possible.

For Young, who has volunteered with the fire company for 30 years, it was a rescue unlike any other.

"We do not just care about humans. We care about our furry friends. Sable was no exception," she said. "She was a sweet girl, and she really, really needed us desperately, so we were happy to be there for her."

The Waterville Volunteer Fire Company later shared photos from the rescue on Facebook, writing, "Not only are we here to support our local humans, but our furry friends as well."

"We did exactly what we had to do and teamed up to carry this 100 pound sweet girl back to her car so her owner could get her on the road to recovery. We wish you well, sweet girl!"

The best part of the story came after the rescue. Young later connected with Sable's owner, who shared that the senior dog is expected to make a full recovery.

The Waterville Volunteer Fire Company has a motto displayed on its apparatus that reads, "People Serving People." Thanks to one unforgettable day on the trail, they proved their compassion extends to every member of the family, including the four-legged ones.