Stranded dog rescued from PCT in Goat Rocks Wilderness

FFor most injured hikers, rescue comes as a relief. But for one hiker in Washington state, helicopter evacuation from the Pacific Crest Trail meant leaving behind a beloved hiking companion. Rosie, a large breed dog, was left stranded alone in Goat Rocks Wilderness after her owner was airlifted following an injury late last month. Fortunately, the Washington State Animal Response Team sprang into action to provide their own rescue.

A four-legged rescue

On September 29, 2025, the Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART) was called to assist in Rosie’s recovery. She and her owner had been hiking the PCT in the famous Goat Rocks Wilderness when Rosie’s owner suffered an injury that required immediate evacuation. The owner was airlifted out, but Rosie could not be transported in the helicopter. Instead, Rosie was secured at the scene and WASART was contacted.

WASART is a non-profit organization that “rescue pets and livestock in emergency situations«, according to the organization’s Facebook page. A WASART team deployed to Goat Rocks shortly after learning of Rosie’s case and made the 7.5 mile hike to reach Rosie the next morning. High winds, cold temperatures, snow and ice created unfavorable conditions.

Navigating technical terrain on all fours

Photo courtesy of the Washington State Animal Response Team Facebook page.

Following coordinates provided by the helicopter crew, the WASART team was led to an exposed ridge line with steep cliffs and scree fields. Upon arriving at the location, they saw the owner’s backpack but could not find Rosie. After scanning the rocks, Rosie was located about 150 feet below the trail. She was sitting in a sleeping bag and appeared bright and alert, according to a Facebook post from the organization.

The rescuers slowly and cautiously descended a steep slope to reach Rosie. Initially she growled and seemed wary of his approach. After pausing to give Rosie time to adjust to their presence, the team caught up with Rosie and untangled her leash from the nearby rocks. With some encouragement, Rosie stood up and allowed the rescuers to guide her back to the trail, where they gave her treats and water.

Photo courtesy of the Washington State Animal Response Team Facebook page.

Fortunately, Rosie seemed to be in good health and was able to get out without help. Sections of the trail were steep and narrow, but she and both WASART teams arrived safely at the trailhead after a grueling 12-hour, 15-mile round trip. Rosie and her owner were reunited at the Packwood Fire Department with lots of hugs and tail wagging.

Photo: Washington State Animal Response Team

Controversy in the middle of the celebration

Rosie’s story received a lot of attention on Facebook and there has been some controversy surrounding her rescue. People wonder why Rosie couldn’t also go on the helicopter with her owner or why she was left without a muzzle.

In WASART’s Facebook post, the organization commented that «sometimes there are no good options, only less bad ones. In this case, the helicopter crew couldn’t take Rosie, but they made sure to send a team that could, as soon as they could… Please help us celebrate a successful rescue and the hard work of people who take risks and dedicate time of their lives to help others, animals and humans.»

Photo courtesy of the Washington State Animal Response Team Facebook page.

“W.When I got hurt and couldn’t keep her, a piece of my soul broke,» Rosie’s owner said about leaving his beloved pet behind in a comment on WASART’s Facebook post about the rescue. «Leaving her behind was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, one that I wasn’t completely mentally or physically able to deal with at the time. I was told a rescue team was on the way to look for her and I held on to that hope with everything I had left. I will always be indebted to the brave and compassionate heroes who saved Rosie and me. Their courage, skill and determination brought us both home safely. Thanks to them, she is now curled up next to me as I write this, warm and peaceful, where she belongs.”

Not all heroes wear capes

WASART iIt is a completely voluntary non-profit organization and does not charge for its services. To learn more about the organization and its work, you can visit its website or Facebook page. They even have a “WASART Stories”page with more pleasant stories about their animal rescues.

Cover image: WASART

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