MISSION UPDATE: (with a positive pup outcome!) On Sept 20, eleven members of GCSAR arrived in Jackson county to provide mutual aid to locate and extract two subjects in the backcountry who had lost the trail due to snow and inclement weather. After attempting helicopter rescue, which proved impossible due to weather, the team hiked 14 miles to locate and escort subjects out of the backcountry. Heartbreakingly, the subject’s dog (Stella) was shy/fearful and ran away during the nighttime egress, devastating both the owners and Grand County Rescuers. For the safety of subjects and team, it was determined that evacuation to the trailhead was necessary.

The GCSAR Team Lead from the mission was determined to rally a team to return and search for Stella, on his own time. On Sept 25, the Team Leader from Sept 20 rallied and coordinated a team, who in their “free time” (all GCSAR members are volunteer and unpaid on missions, “free time” is above and beyond that commitment), went back into the field, armed with canine behavioral intelligence from a fellow GCSAR member, and against all odds, successfully located, gained the trust of, and led out Stella – and reunited her with her owner! It was a testament to the dedication, sacrifice, tenacity, perseverance, and selflessness of the team. And we couldn’t be more excited for our subject to get those doggie-kisses and his companion back. Want to know more about what GCSAR does, or help us have the tools to do more of it? Click Here for more information and please donate if you are able.