Injured Dogs at Gem Lake At 0846 hours, the Team was called to assist a party of five with three dogs located at the Gem Lake Dam. They reported that one of their dogs had sustained injuries to all four paw pads from traveling over talus and rough trail without protection, and they were unable to exit the backcountry without assistance. The Team was called out after careful deliberation, as it was determined that the situation met the threshold for potential harm to human life if they attempted to evacuate their injured dogs unassisted.
Rescue base was established at the Silver Lake boat launch. Rescue Operations deployed three field teams: a primary team of five, a second team of two, and a solo member to operate a radio relay. Team one carried a litter, wheel, and medical supplies for both the humans and the dogs. Teams two and three brought supplemental equipment.
The subjects were met at Gem Lake Dam, where it was determined that all three dogs required medical attention. After treatment, which included cleaning and bandaging wounds and applying booties to protect their pads, the dogs were able to begin walking out under their own power.
Special paw bandages for our canine subjects.
Bandaged up and ready to evacuate the area.
Roughly a mile from the outlet of Agnew, one of the dogs, the oldest at 12 years, required transport in the litter. After a long trek down, all field teams and subjects returned to base. The owners were advised to follow up with further veterinary care.
Pup on a litter ride!
Almost out.
The operation terminated at 1719 hours.
IC: Rhoads Acting Ops Leader: Quiring Responders: Buchanan, Arndt, Barker, Huizingh, Wallace, Kelly, Baron, Ackerman, Knight
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue