Saved... by a sausage! Rescuers lure lost dog with BBQ
MOUNTAIN rescue teams are well equipped for any number of emergencies, never knowing what they will face in the Scottish wilderness.
But when one distress call required more than torches and tents, quick-thinking team members knew exactly how best to expand their kit – by including a barbecue, bangers and bacon.
The rescuers then held a cook-out in an attempt to tempt a lost dog out of hiding.
Border collie Nell had run off after being frightened by the sound of the Coastguard helicopter, dispatched after the pet’s keeper and his friend became stranded while out running in Fisherfield Forest, Wester Ross, part of the notorious 250-mile Cape Wrath Ultra trail.
They had been reported missing after failing to return when expected and were found at 2.15am on Sunday north of Loch an Nid.
The pair were taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness and treated for mild hypothermia.
Members of Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) – Alison Smith and Rachel Drummond – then went hunting for Nell on Monday, tempting her out of hiding by throwing some sausages and bacon on a portable barbecue.
The pet’s nose quickly caught the tempting scent of the meat and she sloped closer to join the picnic.
A spokesman for the MRT said: ‘They fired up the barbecue and soon had sausages and bacon sizzling.
‘The desired effect was soon achieved – a confused and anxious Border collie appeared on the horizon, on a rocky hillside. Having been lured closer by the smell of food, nervous Nell was eventually secured. After lunch, she and her rescuers walked the five miles back to the roadside.’
The collie has now been reunited with owner Ellen Macaskill, who runs dogwalking firm Happy Trails in Inverness.
She said her father had taken Nell along when he and a friend had gone running.
Miss Macaskill added: ‘He often takes her on his runs – he is a very keen runner. Dad was not doing the whole trail.
‘Nell does not usually have sausages at home, I think she just was wanting home and the smell of the food helped.
‘I’m so grateful to the rescue team for finding her. I can’t thank them enough.’