Worn-Out 130-Pound Dog Gets a 4-Mile Ride Off a New Mexico Trail

A big dog with a big problem got some equally big help in New Mexico, where deputies ended up giving a exhausted hiker a four-mile lift off the mountain.

Atlas, a dog weighing close to 130 pounds, had set out along a demanding trail in the rugged backcountry. He kept going for a good stretch, but at some point his energy gave out and his body would not take him any farther. With the long trek back still ahead, a break and a few kind words were not going to be enough.

Rescuers responded and found a dog who was willing but simply spent. Carrying a dog of that size is no small task, especially over uneven terrain, yet the deputies took on the job and brought him out over roughly four miles.

The story is a lighthearted one, but it carries a practical lesson for anyone who hikes with a dog. Dogs often keep pushing to stay with their people long after they should stop, and large breeds can struggle with heat, altitude and distance. Signs of trouble include heavy panting, slowing down, lagging behind, lying down on the trail and refusing to move.

Owners can lower the risk by matching the route to the dog's fitness, building up distance gradually, and packing plenty of water and a collapsible bowl. Frequent rests in the shade help, as does turning around early rather than pressing on to a summit. For very large dogs, it is worth remembering that carrying them out is difficult and sometimes impossible without outside help.

Atlas got out safely, and the rescue made for a happy ending. His story is also a reminder to plan an exit strategy before you hit the trail with a dog.