The owner of this flipped pickup truck has one of his dogs to thank for saving his life, after a loss of control in the mountains of Oregon saw him turn over into a ravine. Injured, but alive after his crash on US Forest Service Road 39, one of Brandon Garrett’s four dogs ran 4 miles to get help.
According to a statement from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, the dog managed to negotiate 4 miles of wilderness and trails to make its way back to a campsite where some of Garrett’s family had been staying. He hadn’t returned to camp that night, so they were already worried and on edge, and the appearance of the dog covered in cuts from broken glass confirmed their fears.
Meanwhile, Garrett was able to crawl approximately one hundred yards from the vehicle, where he spent the night on dry ground. The rest of the party continued to search for him, and family members located his vehicle on the morning of June 3rd, calling emergency services at this time.
Members of the Baker County Search and Rescue Ropes Team set up their rescue equipment and began the difficult task of reaching Garrett. With help from the Forest Services’ chainsaws which cleared their path to him, they loaded and secured him in a rescue basket. He was connected to a highline rope system and pulled across the ravine, where he was transferred to medical personnel who in turn transported him to the Life Flight helicopter for airlift to a regional hospital. His three other dogs were all unharmed.
With all their experience performing rescues in searches in the mountains, the rescue service members said that without Garrett’s dog, there was a very good chance he would not have been found. It’s a harrowing reminder that not all heroes wear capes, or clothes at all—some have fur and bark.
This makes me reflect: if dogs can demonstrate such remarkable empathy and kindness, then it is our responsibility as humans to embody and promote greater compassion and kindness in our own lives.