Evergreen Firefighters Nab Award for Saving Dehydrated Dog on Hike

PETA Honors Volunteer Crew for Retrieving 120-Pound Dog From Maxwell Falls

For Immediate Release:
June 12, 2018

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way from PETA to Evergreen Fire/Rescue, which retrieved a dog named Kato from the Maxwell Falls hiking trail on Sunday, June 3. Kato had been hiking with his guardians when he grew exhausted and dehydrated, so the all-volunteer crew loaded the 120-pound dog onto the stretcher they normally use to rescue humans and wheeled him the mile back to the parking lot, where his guardians loaded him into their car and rushed him to a veterinary clinic. He has since made a full recovery.

“These firefighters sprang into action to save this dog, just as they would any other hiker suffering from exhaustion on the trail,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes their kindness will inspire people everywhere to do whatever it takes to help animals in need.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—reminds everyone to prepare for hikes with their dogs by taking water and snacks, keep dogs near them on walks using a leash and a comfortable and secure harness, and leave dogs at home on excessively hot days.

The fire department will receive a framed certificate, an award letter, a box of delicious vegan cookies, and a copy of The Engine 2 Diet—a Texas firefighter’s 28-day plan for staying in prime firefighting shape by eating vegan meals.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.