Firefighters carry hurt Great Pyrenees down Oregon mountain

Thanks to some human help, a 160-pound dog injured on a steep mountain trail in Oregon last week is now safe − and heartwarming pictures captured the rescue.

Officials with Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District said the rescue took place on Saddle Mountain near Seaside, a small resort city in northwestern part of the state.

Oregon State Parks's website says it is the tallest mountain in Clatsop County.

According to a post on the fire district's Facebook page, which documented the July 12 rescue, a large Great Pyrenees was "hiking saddle mountain when he suddenly refused to keep walking."

It was not immediately known how officials were alerted to the animal in distress.

USA TODAY spoke with District Capt. Shaunna White who did know the dog's name or age. 

White said the owners were with the dog when he refused to continue on the hike.

The dog's paws were raw and cut and he needed assistance down, the district wrote in the social media post.

Photos on the department's page show crew members carrying the dog in what appears to be a stretcher down the mountain.

Saddle Mountain: 'It's not very dog friendly'

According to the state park website, dogs are permitted on Saddle Mountain but must be on a leash at all times.

"It is not very dog friendly," the district wrote about the trail. "Over the years, we have had several calls for dogs that needed assistance off the mountain due to dehydration or cut/raw paw pads."

Dog booties recommended on the trail

The mountain trail has welded wire fencing on the ground to provide traction and stability on the trail, many of the sharp wires sticking straight up, fire officials said.

"As well, walking on wiring and rocks for an extended amount of time can be very rough on your fur baby," the post continues. "Dog booties would be recommended on this trail."

"Just as we humans can build up calluses by incremental exposure to rough surfaces, you can do the same with your dog if you plan on frequent hikes or know they’ll be walking on rougher surfaces throughout their life," the agency wrote. "Start with shorter periods of time on these surfaces to let the pad build up toughness over time."

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.