Our favorite rescue dog stories

1. Tilly: The Swift Shepherd of Aspen

Tilly, a German Shepherd stationed in Aspen, Colorado, is one of the most famous avalanche rescue dogs in the U.S. In 2019, during a late-season snowstorm, an avalanche buried a skier under ten feet of snow. Tilly and her handler, Jason, were immediately called to the scene, where Tilly’s training kicked in. In mere minutes, Tilly located the skier under the snow. The skier was alive but trapped with little chance of escape without Tilly's rapid response. Her accuracy saved the skier’s life, highlighting how seconds can make all the difference in avalanche rescues.

2. Piper and the Speedy Save on Mount Rainier

Piper, a black Labrador with boundless energy, has served as a rescue dog with her handler at Mount Rainier for over five years. In a particularly intense rescue, an avalanche swept a skier nearly 200 feet down a mountainside, burying him beneath four feet of heavy snow. The odds of survival were slim—time was ticking, and every second counted. Within minutes of arrival, Piper leaped into action, sprinting across the avalanche field with her nose to the ground. Her quick work led her directly to the skier's location, where she started digging with her front paws. Thanks to Piper’s speed and intuition, rescuers were able to locate and retrieve the skier, who survived with minor injuries. Piper’s rescue was a textbook example of training, speed, and the unbreakable bond between dog and handler.

3. Recco and the Survival of Two Lost Hikers in Switzerland

Recco, a highly skilled Border Collie working in the Swiss Alps, is known for his perseverance and sharp senses. On a stormy winter night, two hikers lost their way and triggered a small avalanche. Buried but alive, they had no way to signal for help. Recco and his handler, who had been out on a routine patrol, received the call for rescue. Battling through harsh wind and snow, Recco searched tirelessly. Finally, he picked up a scent and started barking—his way of signaling a potential find. When rescuers dug through the snow, they found the two hikers curled up together, weak but alive. Recco’s ability to keep searching despite challenging conditions saved two lives that night, turning what could have been a tragedy into a miraculous rescue.

4. Diesel’s Heroic Recovery Mission in Colorado

Diesel, a German Shepherd trained by the Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (CRAD) team, has a nose for finding people even in the most difficult situations. In a particularly harrowing incident, Diesel and his handler were called to assist after a massive avalanche buried an entire ski slope. Rescuers knew there was little time, and Diesel immediately went to work, covering a vast area with precision. His handler could tell from Diesel’s intense focus that he’d picked up a scent. After several hours of focused searching and digging, Diesel uncovered a skier trapped in an air pocket. Diesel’s remarkable detection skills and relentless energy gave the skier a fighting chance, and this incident became one of the most talked-about rescues in CRAD’s history.

5. Bella and the Children’s Miracle in Austria

Bella, a Golden Retriever with a gentle touch, is known for her work in family-friendly ski areas in Austria. In an incident that gripped the nation, two young children skiing with their parents were swept away by a sudden snow slide. Bella and her handler responded immediately, despite the low visibility and high winds. Bella, with her gentle and calm demeanor, soon honed in on the scent of the children. She dug vigorously through the snow, her golden coat bright against the stark white snow. Bella’s discovery led rescuers to both children, who were huddled together beneath a thin layer of snow. They were cold and scared but unharmed, thanks to Bella’s quick instincts and the unbreakable focus that only a true rescue dog could possess.

6. Lucky’s Resilience and the Overnight Search in British Columbia

Lucky, a resilient Newfoundland known for his endurance, has a unique story. In British Columbia, an avalanche left multiple skiers missing late at night, with temperatures dropping fast. Lucky’s powerful build and thick coat made him perfect for the grueling overnight mission. Working through the night with only the beam of headlamps to guide him, Lucky tirelessly searched the avalanche site. Finally, just before dawn, he signaled his handler with a series of barks and began digging. He located two skiers who were both alive and sheltered in a small snow pocket. Lucky’s ability to persevere through the darkness and cold led to a miraculous rescue, making him a local hero and an inspiration to all avalanche rescue teams.