Authorities in Arizona have shared heartwarming footage of a dramatic rescue operation in which a dog was airlifted to safety after being injured during a hike with its owner near Phoenix. The incident occurred on Friday when the owner called for help after the dog was unable to continue due to an injury sustained on a rugged trail.
Rescue teams from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office responded to the distress call. Upon arrival, they found the pup stranded along a steep section of the trail. Due to the challenging terrain and high temperatures, it was concluded unsafe to carry the dog down manually.
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In a carefully coordinated effort, rescuers placed the injured dog into a special harness and airlifted it via helicopter to safety. Video released by the authorities shows the pup being gently hoisted into the air, swaying slightly as it ascended over the rocky desert landscape before being safely lowered to waiting rescue personnel below.
Officials confirmed that the dog was promptly transported to an emergency veterinary clinic, where it received medical treatment for its injuries.
Official Statement by Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
"MCSO Aviation Division responded to an early morning call near Battleship Rock after a camper’s dog was seriously injured after a fall and could no longer walk," @mcsoaz wrote in the caption of the video.
The statement further added, "The crew located them in a deep canyon and successfully hoisted the pair to safety, securely lifting the dog in a special K9 rescue harness. Thanks to the crew’s compassion and care, the brave pup was reunited with his owner and taken to an emergency vet."
The video of the rescue has gone viral, drawing praise from animal lovers worldwide who lauded the rescuers’ swift response and compassion.
