Here's a story that best exemplifies people's love of and/or obsession with animals, especially dogs.

It all started on August 5th when 29 yr. old Anthony Ortolani took his German Sheperd Missy, and a younger hiker, on a hike/climb on Colorado's Mount Bierstadt, an elevation of about 14,000 feet. Ortolani told Denver media that he was forced to leave the pet up on the mountain after a storm moved in and he became worried for the safety of the younger hiker. He added that the dog's feet had been cut up from on the sharp rocks and it could no longer walk. At approximately 115 pounds it was too heavy to carry down.

RESCUE MISSION

On August 11th, hikers Scott and Amanda Washburn spotted the wounded animal, barely alive. They treated some of its wounds with a first aid kit, left it some water and began to look for help. They came upon a forest ranger who expressed sadness and regret that Forest Services would be unable to assist. Their rescue team only assists humans and last week averaged one such rescue per day.

The Washburns returned home and organized a Facebook page pleading for help from a group called 14'ers. Bierstadt would be called a 14'er because of its 14K ft. elevation, a Class 3, meaning it is not too difficult, but should not be attempted by inexperienced hikers or pets.

They eventually put together a group of 8 volunteers and headed back up the mountain Monday morning. (Aug.13/12). A full-blown snowstorm broke out during the mission and after nine hours, the group successfully returned with the animal, carried in a hiker's oversized backpack. Missy is expected to make a full recovery.

The 14'ers.com message page had to be shut down because of heated discussions over this animal. Ortolani now wants the dog back but animal lovers do not consider him a suitable owner. The Washburns and members of the rescue team want to adopt the dog, wondering of course, why Ortolani made no attempt to go back. Missy is in the care of a vet and will be turned over to local animal control.

What's more, county sheriffs are investigating a charge of animal cruelty against Ortolani. Granted, it was not the wisest decision to take a dog on a hike such as this, even though it is a fully grown Sheperd, but animal cruelty? People in the area, are angry.

All in all, another amazing example of how swayed people's emotions are over pets. LEAVE COMMENTS.

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