Dog runs mini marathon on rescue mission to save human’s life

Brandon Garrett and four canine pals were on their way to a camping trip. Their route took them along a portion of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, over U.S. Forest Service Road 39. It’s a tough piece of roadway, with plenty of hairpin turns and some heart-pounding drop-offs.

Unfortunately, one of those nasty turns snagged Brandon’s pickup, tossing it down a steep embankment. The truck was left lying in a creek on its side. A badly injured Brandon was decidedly “up the creek” as well as in it. But Brandon’s dog Blue somehow knew what to do. The dog ran a mini-marathon to save his human’s life.

Four-mile rescue run

Brandon was on his way to a campsite farther down FS39. His friend, Troy Millhollin, was already there, waiting for him. When Brandon didn’t show up, he was uneasy. But he knew something was amiss when Blue turned up without Brandon and the rest of the dogs. According to a detailed report from CNN.com, “It was no surprise to those who know Blue – who is part Pitbull, Australian Shepherd and Whippet, among other breeds – that he knew where to go after the accident. Garrett said he often spends time with the dogs in those woods, and Blue in particular knows the area so well that he can find Garrett in the woods, find his way home or navigate to Millhollin’s house.”

One thing is certain—that dog ran a mini-marathon to save his human’s life. Four miles up the road to find Brandon’s friend.

It wasn’t until the next day, Monday, June 3, that Brandon’s family, who had been out searching for him, spotted the man’s pickup truck down in the creek. “Garrett was able to crawl approximately one hundred yards from the vehicle, where he spent the night,” says a report from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. Getting out of the creek was one thing, but getting up and out of the ravine was impossible for Brandon.

High-line rope rescue

A Facebook post from the sheriff’s office details the rescue. “Members of the Baker County Search and Rescue Ropes Team set up their rescue equipment and began the difficult task of reaching Garrett,” the post stated. “Once the team was able to reach him, they loaded and secured him in a rescue basket.” A high-line rope system was used for the rescue.

Once out of the ravine, Brandon Garrett was medevacked to an area hospital. He was released and sent home later. And as for Blue’s other four-legged buddies? All three were OK.

Reward for the dog that ran a mini-marathon to save a life?

And as for Blue? While ancient marathon winners received a crown of olive leaves, we have a better suggestion. Blue rates at least a box or two of Milk Bones. After all, he’s the dog that ran a mini-marathon to save a life.

For more rescue photos, visit the Baker County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page by clicking here. 

For more dog stories, check out our archives here.

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