Search and Rescue Team Works Into Night to Save Canine

Santa Barbara - July 4th, 2010

On Saturday, July 3, 2010 members of the Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue team used their unique training and equipment to help a subject that walks on more than two feet. 

"Val" an 80-pound Shepherd mix was playing just below Tangerine Falls in the Cold Springs West Fork Canyon above Montecito when she slipped on the wet sandstone and fell about 20 feet and injured her back legs to a point she could not walk.  Her owners attempted to carry her back to their car at the trailhead located about 1.5 miles away on Mountain Drive, but only managed to get her back up to the trail above the creek. As nightfall was upon them, and they did not have any lights or the ability to carry Val down the steep creek trail, they called 9-1-1 and asked for assistance. 

Members of Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue, along with a Santa Barbara County Animal Control officer, responded just after 8:00pm.  After hiking up a stretcher and technical rope rescue equipment, SBCSAR members secured Val into a stretcher and began to lower her down the steep creek using ropes to belay her rescue.  At approximately 1:00am Sunday morning, Val was loaded into her owner's car for the drive to a nearby emergency animal clinic for treatment. 

SBCSAR team member and search dog handler, Juanita Smith, said that while team members normally use their training and equipment for people that get hurt or lost, the team is also willing to help rescue animals in areas that require SAR's specialized skills. "Many of us have dogs as part of our family, so to see another dog injured is something we take very personally and therefore are happy to help where we can," commented Ms. Smith.  SBCSAR members remind those taking dogs with them on hikes to make sure their dog is in good condition and to bring along plenty of additional water.  Also, plan your hike to match the capabilities of your dog.

Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue is an all volunteer public service rescue team under the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department.  For further information about the team go to www.sbcsar.org or contact the team's PIO, Nelson Trichler at 805-698-0752.

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