Dog Helped Saved Mount Hood Climbers

Rescued Man And Two Women Taken To Hospital, Expected To Be Fine

(CBS/AP)  For three climbers stranded on Mount Hood, survival came down to a live transmitter and a warm dog.

Covering up with two sleeping bags, a tarp and a black Labrador named Velvet as winds howled around them at up to 70 mph, two women and a man beamed signals to rescuers who were able to fix their precise location.

Rescuers say the dog's body warmth probably saved the climbers' lives, reports CBS News correspondent Jerry Bowen. One climber was taken to a hospital for a head injury; Velvet, the Black Lab, was checked out, too.

On CBS News' The Early Show, Bob Alexander of Mountain Rescue, part of the team that brought the climbers back to safety, described the conditions on the mountain as "pretty miserable."

"It was high winds, blowing snow, temperatures in the 20s," Alexander said.

After Velvet helped the climbers through the night on the 11,239-foot mountain, radio transmitters the size of sunglasses cases led rescuers to the group.

The three were taken away in an ambulance late Monday, with Velvet leaping in behind them. The climbers were expected to be fine.

"I'm really glad (the rescuers) were there for us. They did an incredible job. They were amazing," said Matty Bryant, Velvet's owner.

Velvet, a Labrador-shepherd-cattle-dog mix, was adopted by Bryant after she jumped into his car two years ago during a Nevada climbing trip, reports The Oregonian newspaper. She took turns lying atop the climbers through the night.

The transmitting devices, called Mountain Locator Units, are available for rental around the Mount Hood area. While lauding the dog, search leaders also gave due credit to the devices and the climbers' use of them.

"The most important part of this rescue is that they did everything right," said Lt. Nick Watt of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.

Brian Bate, operations supervisor of the REI outdoors store in downtown Portland, said mountaineers can rent the units for $5 a climb — for a party of eight, that means $40.

But the devices are set up only to transmit, not to receive, Bate said. And the signal is received only by the Clackamas County sheriff's office, at the base of Mount Hood, and then only when the department is looking for a climber, he said.

That makes filing a trip report with friends, relatives and authorities "really, really important," Bate said.

Three climbers who became stranded on Mount Hood in December did not have such a locating device. One climber made a cell phone call to his family, but the phone went dead within days. The three climbers stranded this week had cell phones, as well as global-positioning devices that helped rescue teams home in on them.

"We're soaking wet and freezing," said one of two rescued women Monday as she walked from a tracked snow vehicle to the ambulance.

One of the women, age 26, whose name was not released, was taken to a Portland hospital and being treated for a head injury, said Jim Strovink, sheriff's spokesman.

"She's going to be fine," he said.

Two others, Bryant, 34, a teacher in the Portland suburb of Milwaukie, and Kate Hanlon, 34, a teacher in the suburb of Wilsonville, were taken to Timberline Lodge on the mountain to rejoin five other members of the climbing party that set out Saturday but ran into bad weather.

Velvet was treated Monday night at DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital in Portland for broken toenails and a cut on one paw.

"Velvet is a wonder dog," said Trevor Liston, one the climbers.

The party was separated when the three climbers slipped off a ledge at about 8,300 feet, slid about 500 feet down an incline and later moved from the site of the fall.

Their five companion climbers made it off the mountain Sunday and were reported in good condition.

Liston was the fourth climber on the line, said at a news conference that the three climbers in the lead were holding onto a rope when they slipped over the ledge. The dog was clipped to the rope and was also dragged down, he said.

"The lead climber went," and "two people right behind him didn't have enough time to react," Liston said.

The climber behind Liston grabbed him, or he might have gone over the edge, too.

Rather than attempt a rescue, the climbers decided to use a cell phone to call authorities, Liston said.

"It's a very hard decision to make," but "we didn't want to have eight people fall instead of three," Liston said.

About 10,000 climbers attempt to scale Mount Hood annually. One to three of them die each year. During the past 25 years, more than 35 climbers have died on Mount Hood, one of the most frequently climbed mountains in the world, reports CBS News correspondent Stephan Kaufman.

[knyghtwolf]

Kudos to this canine and to all those other unspoken heroic canines that unselfishly aid in the saving of human life besides offering comfort to those in need of a quality life. I think we need a Service Animal History month to commemorate these self-less, unconditional loving, lifesaving & life giving canines.

[nothappyatall]

That's great press about the dog, now send the climbers a BILL for the police, fire and rescue team costs that the citizens are footing the bill for so these rich mo-fo's can go skipping around on dangerous mountain tops for fun.
What's the cost for all this searching every time this happens which seems like a LOT lately- $20,000? $10,000? send them a bill!

[lanaedawn]

I don't understand why people think that the middle of one of the snowiest cold winters we've had is the time to attempt to climb a mountain. Its fine if you are a daredevil and want a thrill but think of the people who spend hours and days looking for you when you go lost as well as the money it takes to attempt this type of rescue mission.

[knyghtwolf]

The problem is that you can't legislate common sense or ignorance. The minute you try to reason with people like this, they would probably want to get an attorney and sue you for their rights to be stupid and the right to climb a mountain in the middle of winter. Yes, I will give them the right to be stupid and ignorant as long as it does not cost me, when it costs me, then I have the right to question their abilities to act responsible in an adult common sense fashion.

[mswolfestock]

It REALLY scares me that these idiots are school teachers . . . .

[gunownerdan]

Without dogs we would not have been able to travel such great distances during the last ice age many thousands of years ago.

[knyghtwolf]

Imagine a movie about this rescue, based on that movie, Without a Paddle, starring Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and Sean Hayes. To add more comedy, add six others that can be rescuers & villians; Edward Furlong, Halle Berry, Marilyn Manson, Charlie Sheen, Butch Patrick, and ole' dubya. It could be great comic relief. BTW, I also agree that the three teachers should be made to repay the cost of the rescue. Get the dog from K9, Jerry Lee to play the dog or at least have some auditions and choose one or get that dog from the remake of the Shaggy Dog.

[clew37]

Who takes a dog with them when they're climbing a mountain in winter?

[tiacovazzi]

apparently the death of one climber and the fact that one is still up there from not too long ago didn't seem to register with these fools. Who does *** like this. unbelievable. I agree with you newster1. who is paying for the lack of common sense. I hope these people are held responsible for putting the lives of innocent people in danger. Make them pay.

[neitherone]

The solution is simple: the use of location transmitters should be made mandatory. Didn't use it? Pay with your life and, if saved, pay for the rescue efforts. There are too many unprepared people climbing Cascade Mountains these days. The fact that three people sliped without anyone being able to self-arrest and stop the group from falling tells that, possibly, there skills weren't up to the level of winter climbing.

[noview1]

Sure, and anyone who smokes should have to pay for all their health care cost. Any anyone who rides a motorcycle should have to pay for their cost if they are in an accident. Personally I would much rather have a teacher who had something interesting to tell me than a boring old hag who's most exciting moment was getting up in the morning.

[talkingham]

Yeah these dummies who happen to be teachers will probably make the rounds of the morning and daytime tv mud holes. I've been in enough schools to know that teachers aren't exactly teachers anymore. They are primarily baby sitters at educational prisons. The schools out in major city suburbs are so large now they are like prisons. But that is the price you pay for running out to the suburbs to make sure you're kids don't go to school with poor people and people of color. 40 years of white flight have left inner city schools in many cities just a run down shell compared to the bright shiny new buildings in all of the suburbs. And most of the "church-based" schools in the south were created for the same reason to avoid integration.

Whoops, hi-jacked the thread. But the point is, teachers are no smarter than anyone else as these "climbers" have proved. It should be climb at your own risk just like swim at your own risk at any country swimming hole.

[bmunson5]

I think it's real simple. If an idiot really feels it necessary to hike a 2mi mountain in the middle of winter, then he or she can put up a $20,000 retainer with the ranger service in order to do so. Then, when they under estimate thier abilities, the search and rescue is pre-paid. Otherwise, leave them there and let them perish. No need risking anyone else's life because of thier stupidity. Also, are these morons going to face animal cruelty charges? That poor dog should be taken away immediately and given to a good home. How ridiculous to take a dog on such a venture!

[netadmin1-2009]

talkingham

my wife has taught elementary school for 26 years - she is a teacher - not a prison guard. be careful what you say about people - my hat goes off to all teachers. they do an incredible job.

[samthetvcat]

Velvet's so cute

[udsaar]

Give the dog Amedal and give him to a good responsible home!!These idiots are teacher ? heavens forbids our kids show such irresponsible behavior when they grow up!These fools should be made to pay for the rescue and send to a learning about common sense program does anyone have it anymore??

[bobfishinguy]

"Dog Helped Saved" Goodder english ain't it!

[dredre2k]

It should be manditory for mountainclimbers to wear radio transponders when climbing the mountain. Mountainclimbers should also have to pay back some of the cost in rescuing them.

I can't believe that there are some climbers who oppose wearing the safety tags. No one tells them to go climb a high mountain and place themselves in danger. Those against the tags should not expect a rescue when they become stranded.

[dredre2k]

The headliner of this story should read:

Dog Placed in Dangerous Situation Saves Reckless Mountain Climbers. The poor thing, i'm sure he was freezing up there!

[abc222001-2009]

This is animal cruelty at its worst and should be prosecuted.

Perhaps we should expect everyone to seal themselves into their basements with their Playstations, that way all outdoors risk can be averted. Small wonder our youth is getting fat and uninteresting.

[jsilver2th]

Me, personally, I'd be dead if it was not for the mountain rescue- in my case Forest Service firefighters and National Guard Helicopter. This was just 2 mountains south of this action on Mt. Hood but in the summer. I give a big thank you to all of the Mt. Rescue people. I'm too old to get out like that any more but life is more than being about feeling safe in front of your TV set and taking no risk. However, many do not appreciate the risks and particularly in Oregon how fast the winter weather can turn on you. I don't have a problem making people pay for their rescue within reason to make them think about it. However, if you look at Mt. Hood there are big corporations up there that make millions off of winter tourism and they would be nowhere without state paid roads and snow plows. Maybe they ought to be taxed for this.

[rdevin2]

Im amazed at every comment here. EVERY DAY we all take chances, driving down the road, swimming in lakes, sky diving, etc. By all reports (including from the rescuers) these climbers were excepionally responsible. They got into an uncontrollable weather situation and needed help. For the person that said they should be left to die...i only hope that local volunteer firemen, paramedics, etc., don't look upon any unforeseen accident you might have the same way. Or, according to you, maybe they should.

In regard to the animal cruelty...give me a break. ANYONE who has ever had a dog as a companion knows that the animal would rather be with it's human than anywhere else. Would you think more of the person who left their dog chained to a tree while they were our hiking? If so, you're insane to think that is not cruel in and of itself.

And finally...what does any of this have to do with what the climbers' profession is?

[knyghtwolf]

Hey talkingham, maybe your wife should get a job at CBS and teach them proper writing technique and grammer. The writing staff at CBS musta went to the george "Dubya" bush school of english learnin'& speechin'. It seems the more I read here in all these forums, the more desprate the media gets for news. I have read stuff here that would never have made it in the news before, especially that idiot that is claiming ADA protection from PTSD in leiu of his porn habits at IBM. It were not his fault now was it? Hey CBS, try using spellcheck once in a while.

[noview1]

No one's here to defend the climbers because they're all outside exercising while those complaining sit in front of their computers eating fast food.

Taking a dog hiking is a great move. They have packs and harnesses designed for a dog. In no way is this animal cruelty. It's love. Or, we could have left it in Nevada and killed it.

The region around mt. hood is filled with tourist attractions that make a lot of money for the area. One of the expenses of having visitors is provided rescue services. Most of volenteer rescuers love going out and saving the day. It's an opportunity they look for.

[knyghtwolf]

noview1, I am 53 years old, disabled and use a service dog for my disability. I exercise daily and can take pretty good care of myself. I use the dog for mobility and he has a harness too. I think you miss the point here; how smart do you have to be to go mountain climbing in the MIDDLE of winter? What thought processes were they using to determine doing this climb. The dog would probably survive better WITHOUT the three other humans but Velvet made a choice to stay, try and get that kind of loyalty from a human being, good luck, and keep working out, I do it daily out of necessity to just being able to walk, but I like it too.

[knyghtwolf]

And I don't sit here by choice, it is by necessity. I think that statement was unnecessary and crass, but thats just me. Many people here are disabled and can't help it, and this post is for them as well as me. I think its strange that people start getting critical about people that refuse to use a bit of common sense when it comes to differentating between a trip to the beach & mountain climbing in the middle of winter.

[knyghtwolf]

Change of subject, any comments on this story? http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,253038,00.html Go check it out, its pretty different but also pretty stereo-typical.

[perception5]

"Velvet is a wonder dog."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

climber Trevor Liston

.....and lives up to the reputation of being "man's and woman's best friend"....good dog!

[anvilheadsix]

The headliner of this story should read:

Dog Placed in Dangerous Situation Saves Reckless Mountain Climbers. The poor thing, i'm sure he was freezing up there!
Posted by dredre2k at 11:34 AM : Feb 20, 2007

Agreed. Considering that 3 people died up there just weeks ago, I consider the dog to be the most itellectually advanced member of the party.

[tiacovazzi]

I think some of us are missing the point here. yes we all take chances when we walk out of our homes and get in our cars and go to work or where ever, and the reference to volunteer fireman and paramedics that respond to unforseen accidents that happen.
we are talking about people who went out in the middle of a pretty severe winter onto the same mountain where one man died around thanksgiving and one man is still up there unfound. there is a big difference in uncontrolled accidents and just plain out not using your head.
i am grateful that there are people out there that risk there lives to help people that have come upon unfotunate events. God Bless Them all.
But these people had no business doing what they did, after what happened on Mt. Hood not even 6 months ago.

[trumpthumper]

It amazes me that educated people can be so dumb as to try to climb a trecherous mountain - in the winter? Hellloooo...what part of the word winter did they not understand? The fact that they included their dog to this cockamamie outting is beyond belief. Two questions come to mind:
1) Will they be paying for the rescue effort?
2) Since stupidity is not a chargeble offense, is cruelty to an animal a possibility?
I recommend mandatory graduate courses in common sense, for all of them...and a new, loving home for the dog...who not-so-surprisingly, turns out to be the smartest one in that carload of clowns.

[bluestardad]

NATURAL SELECTION SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THESE IDIOTS! THEY TOOK THEIR DOG WITH THEM TO CLIMB? DOES THAT SOUND STRANGE TO ANYONE? WHAT DID THEY THINK THEY WERE DOING A STROLL IN THE PARK. THEY DESERVE TO DIE!

[gbeabs]

I'm pretty confident the dog needs a real meal, a full-stretch-week-long nap on the couch, and a full promise: never again, I promise. Dogs are smarter than we are and by nature they are heroic. They put themselves last.

Maybe these teachers/winter Mt. Hood-trekkers have learned a lesson.

[thgdriver]

Anybody that equates thrill seekers climbing Mt. Hood in the dead of winter with 70 MPH winds To an auto trip to the local mall is an idiot. In any case, autos have high priced insurance that is mandatory in my state for unforeseen accidents that may arise.

What insurance did these morons pay for and have in place to offset the costs of their folly and rescue?

Next time leave the cell phones and rescue signal devices home. Oh, And leave the dog home too!!

[knyghtwolf]

Esther's Haircutting Studio, where Spears shaved her head, set up a Web site to auction off her hair and other items for a minimum price of $1 million, J.T. Tognozzi, who owns the salon with his wife, told the AP on Tuesday.
"This is it, the opportunity of a lifetime," according to BuyBritneysHair.com. The winning bidder gets Spears' dark, knotty hair extensions, the clipper she used to cut them off, the Red Bull she drank at the salon and her cigarette lighter.
Tognozzi said he'd placed the items for sale on the eBay auction Web site, which later took them down, for reasons unknown to him.
This just in from another news website, Britney Spears the NEW Anna Nicole Smith....not until after she dies too would be my guess. Be an Pop Idol or just be. What to choose!!!!

[thgdriver]

knyghtwolf

What the hel! are you talking about?

[thgdriver]

Anybody that equates thrill seekers climbing Mt. Hood in the dead of winter with 70 MPH winds To an auto trip to the local mall is an idiot. In any case, autos have high priced insurance that is mandatory in my state for unforeseen accidents that may arise.

What insurance did these morons pay for and have in place to offset the costs of their folly and rescue?

Next time leave the cell phones and rescue signal devices home. Oh, And leave the dog home too!!

[ecuadoriana]

Velvet is an incredibly brave animal. What a hero. I just wish she had eaten those dumb shmucks who put her in that dangerous situation.

Why doesn't the news articles report how idiotic & irresponsible those people are?

[knyghtwolf]

Just a change of subject in case no one else could see this article thgdriver, I thought I included the link to it but I guess it got left out, but I did find and copy that part of it off the article, I think it was Fox news service that posted the story, just wanted to give sleeping dogs a chance to take a nap, LOLOL

[knyghtwolf]

http://www.showbuzz.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/20/people_hot_water/main2495147.shtml go here to check it out, CBS has it now, LOLOLOL My daughter has finally seen the light about these "Wanna-be" industrial churned out entertainers, she is now doing her homework without being told. THANK YOU BRITNEY SPEARS, YOU HAVE DONE MY DAUGHTER A GREAT SERVICE, SHE HAS SEEN YOU FOR WHAT YOU REALLY ARE AND HER MOTHER AND I THANK YOU!!!!! GOOD LUCK IN REHAB, STAY THIS TIME.

[mcbobie-2009]

I can't understand how someone would be stupid enough to climb Hood in the winter time with a dog!! Dogs don't belong on alpine climbs!!

[dmac60]

Idiots... Irresponsible does not define enough these people. Did we not just have the same trajic episode play out for all to see just a few short months ago when 3 other climbers die (1found) 2 still missing. These people are educators....Please!! Fools, yes.. We are not talking about a casual walk enjoying nature. I am sick and tired of seeing this same song play over and over. For all the people that somehow defend this thrill seeking behavior and compare it to a walk to the park or a drive to the store or work, are you also that ignorant? It's time that access needs to be denied and for those morons that have taken the high risk play the dangerous game to pay up!!! Do not feel bad for these fools.