Atlas is a big dog with a big love for the outdoors. He weighs about 130 pounds and usually enjoys a good hike.
But on one hot afternoon in the mountains near Albuquerque, New Mexico, Atlas decided he had had enough. He was too tired to take another step.
Open Space deputies hiked up the trail to reach Atlas. Then came the hard part: getting a tired, 130-pound dog safely down a rough mountain path.
The deputies took turns carrying him in their arms. On the rockiest stretches, they placed him in a Stokes basket, a special rescue stretcher, and carried him together.
The trip down covered about four miles and took nearly five hours. Through it all, Atlas seemed quite content to let someone else do the walking.
In the end, he made it home safely, with no injuries, and was praised by the deputies as the “goodest boy.”
The sheriff’s office used the happy ending to share an important reminder for anyone who hikes with a dog: bring plenty of water for your pet, and watch closely for signs that they are getting too hot or too tired.
Dogs will often keep going just to stay by our side. Sometimes it’s up to us to notice when they need a rest, and sometimes it takes a few kind deputies with strong arms to get them home.
Has your dog ever refused to walk another step? Share this story with someone who will smile.