Magic in the Mountains

This article originally appeared on The Trek, which you can read here.

For most injured hikers, a rescue is met with relief. But for one hiker in Washington state, a helicopter evacuation from the Pacific Crest Trail meant leaving behind a beloved hiking companion. Rosie, a large-breed dog, was stranded alone in the Goat Rocks Wilderness after her owner was airlifted following an injury late last month. Fortunately, the Washington State Animal Response Team sprang into action to provide a rescue of their own.

A Four-Legged Rescue

On September 29, 2025, the Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART) got a call to assist in the retrieval of Rosie. She and her owner had been hiking along the PCT in the famed Goat Rocks Wilderness when Rosie’s owner sustained an injury that required immediate evacuation. The owner was airlifted out, but Rosie could not be transported in the helicopter. Instead, Rosie was secured at the scene and WASART was contacted. 

WASART is a nonprofit organization that “rescues pets and livestock in emergency situations,” according to the organization’s Facebook page. A WASART team deployed to Goat Rocks shortly after learning of Rosie’s case and made the 7.5-mile trek to reach Rosie the following morning. Strong winds, cold temperatures, snow, and ice made for less than favorable conditions.

Navigating Technical Terrain on Four Paws

Following coordinates provided by the helicopter flight crew, the WASART team was led to an exposed ridge line with sheer cliffs and scree fields. Upon arrival at the scene, they spotted the owner’s backpack but could not find Rosie. After scanning the rocks, Rosie was located about 150 feet below the trail. She was sitting on a sleeping bag and appeared bright and alert, according to a Facebook post by the organization. 

The rescuers slowly and cautiously made their way down a steep incline to reach Rosie. She initially growled and seemed wary of their approach. After pausing to allow Rosie time to adjust to their presence, the team reached Rosie and untangled her leash from nearby rocks. With some encouragement, Rosie stood and allowed the rescuers to guide her back to the trail, where she was given treats and water. 

Thankfully, Rosie appeared to be in good health and was able to walk out without assistance. Sections of the trail were steep and narrow, but she and both WASART teams safely made it down to the trailhead after a grueling 12-hour, 15-mile round trip. Rosie and her owner were reunited at the Packwood Fire Department with many hugs and tail wags. 

Controversy Amid Celebration

Rosie’s story received a lot of attention on Facebook, and there has been some controversy surrounding her rescue. People question why Rosie couldn’t also go in the helicopter with her owner, or why she was left without a muzzle.

In the WASART Facebook post, the organization remarked that “sometimes there are no good choices, just less bad ones. In this instance, the helicopter crew could not take Rosie, but made sure a team was sent who could, as soon as they could … Please help us celebrate a successful rescue and the hard work of people who take risks and time out of their lives to help others, animals and humans.”

“When I was injured and couldn’t stay with her, a piece of my soul broke,” Rosie’s owner said of leaving their beloved pet behind in a comment on WASART’s Facebook post about the rescue. “Leaving her behind was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, one I wasn’t mentally or physically capable of facing fully in that moment. I was told a rescue team was on their way for her, and I held onto that hope with everything I had left. I will forever be indebted to the brave, compassionate heroes who saved my Rosie and me. Their courage, skill, and determination brought us both safely home. Because of them, she’s now curled up beside me as I write this, warm and peaceful, where she belongs.”

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

WASART is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization and does not charge for its services. To learn more about the organization and its work, you can visit its website or Facebook page. They even have a “WASART Stories” page with more feel-good stories of their animal rescues.

Featured image: WASART