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Rescue Team Saves Dog

Written by Jim Bunner

Story Created: Jul 4, 2010 at 2:47 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jul 5, 2010 at 9:27 AM PDT

Montecito - The Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue team came to the aid of yet another individual. But this time that "individual" was a dog that needed help.

An 80-pound Shepherd mix, named Val, was playing just below Tangerine Falls in the Cold Springs West Fork Canyon above Montecito when she slipped on the wet sandstone and fell about 20 feet.

The dog injured her back legs and was unable to walk. Her owners attempted to carry her back to their car at the trailhead located about 1.5 miles away on Mountain Drive, but only managed to get her back up to the trail above the creek. As nightfall came Saturday, the couple did not have any lights or the ability to carry Val down the steep creek trail, so they called 9-1-1 for help.

Members of Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue, along with a Santa Barbara County Animal Control officer, responded around 8:00 p.m. After hiking up a stretcher and technical rope rescue equipment, SBCSAR members secured Val into a stretcher and began to lower her down the steep creek using ropes to belay her rescue.

At approximately 1:00am Sunday morning, Val was loaded into her owner's car for the drive to a nearby emergency animal clinic for treatment.

Search team member and dog handler, Juanita Smith, said that while team members normally use their training and equipment for people that get hurt or lost, they are willing to help rescue animals.

"Many of us have dogs as part of our family, so to see another dog injured is something we take very personally and therefore are happy to help where we can," said Smith.

Authorities remind those taking dogs with them on hikes to make sure their dog is in good condition and to bring along plenty of additional water. Also, plan your hike to match the capabilities of your dog.

Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue is an all volunteer public service rescue team under the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department. For further information about the team go to www.sbcsar.org or contact the team's PIO, Nelson Trichler at 805-698-0752.
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