St Bernard Dog Rescued from England’s Highest Mountain
26th July 2020
Last modified on May 14th, 2021
The animals are more associated with helping to rescue people, rather than needing rescue themselves.
The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out to Scafell Peak on Friday to rescue 4-year old Daisy.
16 members of the team were involved.
The animal weighs 8st 9lb (55kg), had pain in her legs and was unable to move.
Image c/o Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team
The operation took 5 hours as they had to carry her on a stretcher back to safety.
St Bernard dogs were based in the monastery of the same name on the Italian/Swiss border and have rescued countless people over the years in the Alps.
They are now based in the Swiss town of Martigny and taken up to the monastery in the summer months.
“The team rescues canine casualties around a dozen times every year but this was the first time a St Bernard breed has been rescued by the team,” said a statement from the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team has been assisting people in the western fells of the Lake District for over 50 years.
It covers England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and responds to over one hundred calls for help each year.
The team consists of approximately 40 ‘professional volunteers’ who give their time to help those in need, whatever the weather, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
“Some might ask: ‘why rescue a dog?’ but our mission is to save life and alleviate distress. You can’t leave a dog on a mountain,” said Richard Warren from the team.
Daisy is now recovering from her ordeal.
Daisy’s owner, Su Hall, said the team was “fantastic” for helping.
“Time was getting on though and thinking that the weather could change we thought it best to call the rescue service.”
“There aren’t enough words to thank them.”
