You never know what might happen next here in Alberta, Canada; one dog’s adventurous spirit has sparked both awe and concern in a recent Global News report. It’s a story that’s equal parts heartwarming and humorous. A one-year-old hound cross named Tigger found herself in a rather precarious situation, and it’s all thanks to her inquisitive nature and a rather ambitious climb. This Alberta dog experienced a tree adventure that turned into rather a memorable rescue.
Watch the Report: Jump to Video
The story seemed to start like any typical Sunday. Tigger, ever the playful pup, was outside with her mom, Sasha Mars, enjoying her usual activities—chasing squirrels and exploring the yard. However, on this particular day, Tigger’s adventure took an unexpected turn. After spotting a squirrel in the spruce trees where it frequently nests, Tigger decided to take matters into her own paws. She bounded toward the tree—one that had always been part of the family’s backyard landscape. But there was something different about this day: Tigger decided to climb it.
“She’s never climbed up before, but that day she decided to,” Sasha recalls in the video. As she walked away to give her dog some space, she turned around. But only to realize Tigger had made a surprising ascent—50 feet up a Willow Tree. Panic seemed to set in as Sasha’s mind raced. “I was afraid of her falling. She’s not a cat, so she wouldn’t land on her feet,” she explained.
With her husband, Mark, away on a ski trip, Sasha had no choice but to this challenge alone. Unsure of how to safely bring Tigger down, she called for help. Enter the local firefighters. When they arrived, they too felt in disbelief. “Yep, it’s a dog in a tree,” they said, still processing the unusual scene. But quickly, the team got to work, rescuing the brave pup with ease, and with some gentle encouragement, Tigger was safely carried down the ladder, much to her joy.
While Tigger wasn’t hurt—just a little cold—her climb left her mom with a new sense of caution. “I’m a little afraid to let her off-leash now, now that she knows she can climb. But maybe she learned her lesson and knows she can’t get back down again,” Sasha said.
Well done, team! Sasha’s quick thinking in reaching out for help when she realized she couldn’t manage the situation alone played a critical role in Tigger’s safe rescue!
Watch the Video:
A Lesson in Pet Safety
Tigger’s fearless feat serves as an excellent reminder for all pet parents around the globe. Whether you live in the countryside or a more urban setting, it’s a good idea to think through the environments your pets frequent. As much as we love seeing them explore and engage in activities that stimulate their minds and bodies, there are naturally always risks involved.
Key Takeaways
For pet owners, a few takeaways from this story are worth considering:
- Know Your Pet’s Limits: Many dogs love climbing, jumping, or chasing squirrels, and other furry animals. But, not all have the agility or experience to safely navigate higher ground. As Tigger discovered, what may seem like a fun challenge can quickly turn dangerous.
- Safety Precautions Matter: Leashing your pet when venturing into unfamiliar territory or areas with hazards is the best way to help prevent accidents. And, if your dog is particularly courageous, keep a close eye on them, especially around trees, tall structures, or cliffs.
- It’s Okay to Ask for Help: When faced with an emergency, please don’t hesitate to reach out to first responders or local animal rescue services. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when your pet faces a distressing predicament such as this one.
- Enforcing Training and Recall: For those pups that have a tendency to get into trouble, it helps to reinforce some of the basic commands like “come” and “stay.” Doing this not only keeps them safe in everyday situations but can also prevent more dangerous scenarios. Climbing trees or running toward roads are just a couple of examples.
- Preparing for the Unexpected: Pets, especially young ones, can sometimes surprise us with their quirky behaviors. So, we should always be prepared for the unexpected and ensure our animals’ environments are kept safe. After all, they should feel able to explore private or fenced-off areas without too many risks involved.
Final Thoughts
While the Alberta dog in this tree rescue story may have learned her lesson the hard way, it’s a good reminder for all of us to keep our pets’ safety in mind. After all, a little caution can go a long way in preventing more than just a chilly adventure. As for Tigger, next time, it looks like she’ll be a little more cautious—though seeing her spirited nature, it’s likely that tree-climbing won’t be the last of her daring deeds!
Have a question about your dog’s tendency to go after squirrels or climb trees? Submit your question to our dog trainer for advice or leave a comment below!
Source:
