If you like the great outdoors and exploring there is truly nothing like taking a nice long hike with friends, family, or a pet. Walking through nature we can appreciate the views, the water, the fresh air from the trees all while getting some good exercise at the same time. However, depending on the conditions of the trail, the level of the trail, and the weather we must remember to take the necessary precautions and be ready for anything. Luckily, many parks and trails have park rangers there to not only keep an eye on nature but those who dare to adventure through it as well.
Source: Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
On a Tuesday, Lexie Daniel and her friends decided to take such an adventure and hike the mountain hills of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area specifically Mount Tammany.
Source: Panorama from the overlook on Mount Tammany, Photo by Famartin
On this day the weather was about 90 degrees so if you were to be hiking on this day you would want to be sure you were dressed properly and had enough water and snacks packed for the journey up and down. While Lexie and her friends were hiking down they came across a man and his dog who unfortunately were not prepared and were overheating. The hikers helped their fellow hiker and gave the man some water but they feared there was not enough water for the dog. According to the Good News Network Lexie reported,
“The owner brought along a huge jug, but no amount of water seemed to be helping.”
As the owner was too tired and too weak to carry himself and his dog back down the mountain due to overheating he had called the park rangers to come help as soon as possible. Soon Supervisory Park Ranger Kris Salapek came to the rescue.
Source: Lexie Daniel via Facebook
As the dog’s health was declining the park ranger hoisted the dog to his shoulders and made his way down the mountain. Which sometimes the hike down can be just as strenuous as the way up. Lexie wrote on her Facebook post,
“This park ranger picked up this huge dog, threw him over his shoulders, and carried him down and incredibly rocky hill all the way down to the stream (it was a LONG distance) and laid him in the water as he knelt beside him and poured water on him. “
Source: Tori Matyola via Facebook
Lexie continued on her post,
“The ranger then picked him back up over his shoulders and walked all the way back down towards the street with this heavy dog. This was a couple miles of an incredibly rocky path. This ranger SAVED this dogs life. This is a HERO. This dog probably wouldn’t have made it without him. We are so lucky to have rangers like this that put even animals before themselves. This ranger deserves insane recognition and a standing ovation for his bravery, selflessness, and strength”
Source: Lexie Daniel via Facebook
As soon as Lexie got home she decided to post this heroic act on Facebook for all to see, appreciate, and learn from. Since then it has received over 36,000 shares, 51,000 likes, and 143 comments. All people sharing appreciation for the ranger, as well as, people commenting to see how the dog is doing now if they had any information.
Source: Brittany Mekeel via Facebook
Luckily, Lexie heard from the park ranger who was able to get in touch with the owner of the dog who is doing just fine all thanks to Park Ranger Kris Salapek.
Source: Lexie Daniel via Facebook
Below is the attached picture sent as an update doing just fine and getting some much-deserved rest.
Source: Lexie Daniel via Facebook
Another story for us to appreciate and learn from. Making sure to always be prepared for taking on the outdoors whether you are with friends, family, or especially our pets, as well as, making sure to have the contact information for the Park Rangers just in case anything goes wrong.
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