It had all started so well!
Atlas had set off on a hike with his owners along a trail in New Mexico, USA.
An exhausted pup
As the heat rose and the miles added up, the poor dog suddenly became too exhausted to take another step. He was completely unable to make his own way back down. The big problem was that Atlas weighs nearly nine stone, and his owners simply couldn't carry him.
Realising they were stranded, they called for emergency help. It was deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office who rushed to the scene.
A massive rescue effort
The rescue operation lasted nearly five hours and covered more than 3.7 miles. To get Atlas to safety, the team had to work together, taking turns to carry the heavy dog on their shoulders and backs. When the terrain allowed, they carefully pulled him along in a rescue stretcher.
Atlas was safely secured and stabilised before being slowly guided down the trail. Photos shared on Facebook by the rescue team show the scale of this impressive operation, which thankfully ended happily with Atlas safe and sound.
This dramatic rescue serves as an important reminder of how vital it is to prepare properly before hiking with your four-legged friend. As the emergency services advised on Facebook, owners should always "pack plenty of water, keep a close eye out for any signs of fatigue, and remember that the journey back down can be just as demanding as the climb."
Translated from the FR Wamiz website using artificial intelligence
