The Henderson Fire Department rescued a hiker and her injured dog Saturday afternoon.
Firefighters responded around 2 p.m. to the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, south of Democracy Drive.
A 28-year-old woman was hiking with her Rottweiler/boxer/mastiff mix-breed dog for several hours when the dog lacerated its paws, firefighters reported. The woman attempted to carry the 75-pound dog back to her car but she became lost and fatigued, prompting her to call 9-1-1.
The woman was not on a marked trail and was unable to give her specific location. Henderson firefighters searched for the hiker using one of the department’s rescue off-road vehicles. They also searched on foot and found the hiker about a half mile from the trail, walking in a wash. Her dog was located further up the wash and was carried to safety.
The hiker and dog were treated for heat stress and dehydration.
Henderson firefighters ask hikers to follow these safety guidelines:
- Always hike with other people.
- Let someone know exactly where you are going and when you will be back.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Carry enough water for yourself and your four-legged companions to sustain you to your destination and back.
- Wear proper gear, such as hiking boots, protective clothing, sunscreen and a hat.
- Bring along a first aid kit.
- In addition to a fully charged mobile phone, carry a signaling device such as a whistle, mirror or flashlight.
