A golden retriever named Crosby was safely rescued by volunteers after getting injured during a strenuous hike on the Franconia Ridge Loop in New Hampshire. Crosby, his owner, and another dog were about 5 miles into the 9-mile hike on September 16 when Crosby began to show signs of fatigue, according to NH Paw Rescue. The owner noticed Crosby slowing down and taking longer breaks, prompting the need for assistance.

The trio rested at Greenleaf Hut and walked another mile, but had to stop as Crosby suffered from exhaustion and paw injuries. Though the weather was stable, the owner lacked proper gear and canine evacuation supplies, according to NH Paw Rescue.

After receiving a call for assistance at 3:30 p.m., rescue staff and volunteers began the hike up to the group’s stopping point on Old Bridle Path, with the first responder setting off at 5 p.m. In the meantime, passing hikers lent a hand, helping carry Crosby to a lower elevation.

By 6:30 p.m., the full NH Paw Rescue team arrived at Crosby’s location. They placed him in a rigid litter and carried him down to the trailhead, reaching it just after 7:15 p.m. Crosby’s paws were bandaged and covered with booties before he hopped into his owner’s vehicle for a well-deserved rest.

His owner planned to take him for veterinary care after the exhausting ordeal.

After Crosby’s ordeal, NH Paw Rescue shared a detailed advisory for hikers with pets in their Facebook post. They highlighted that the Franconia Ridge Loop, a challenging 9-mile trail with elevations from 1,800 to over 5,200 feet, has rocky terrain and long stretches exposed to the elements. These conditions, paired with unseasonably warm temperatures, were too much for a large dog like Crosby.

The organization offered several safety tips for hikers with pets, including carrying essential gear like a map, warm clothing, a headlamp, extra food and water, and a first aid kit. For dogs, they recommended emergency supplies such as a rescue harness, bandages, pet wrap, and paw booties.

Additionally, they urged dog owners to be cautious with their pet’s hiking abilities, particularly with older or larger dogs. They advised starting on easy to moderate terrain until both the hiker and their dog gain more experience.

According to the volunteer group, it’s crucial for dog owners to regularly check their pet’s paw pads during hikes and address any signs of injury early on to prevent them from worsening.

“Dogs often don’t show early signs of paw distress as owners might expect and may only exhibit symptoms when it’s severe,” the group explained.

They also advised pet owners to be mindful of the temperature, cautioning against taking dogs on strenuous activities in warm weather. “Exercise care above 70°F and consider avoiding strenuous activities when temperatures exceed 80°F,” they recommended.