In a remarkable twist to a dramatic mountain rescue, a Chihuahua is being credited with helping save the life of a hiker who fell into a glacier crevasse in the Swiss Alps.
The rescue took place last Friday on the Fee Glacier above Saas-Fee in the southern canton of Valais, according to a statement by Air Zermatt, a regional alpine rescue service.
The man, who had been hiking with his Chihuahua, plunged approximately eight meters (26 feet) into a hidden crevasse, leaving the tiny dog alone on the ice-covered surface.
Though the hiker managed to call for help using an amateur walkie-talkie, rescue teams faced major difficulties locating the accident site. The crevasse was nearly invisible against the vast, white glacier surface, and time was running out.
“The search for the collapse site proved difficult. The glacier surface was wide and the hole was barely visible,” Air Zermatt said.
But hope arrived in an unlikely form. A rescuer spotted a small but steady movement, the hiker’s Chihuahua had remained faithfully by the crevasse’s edge, alerting the team to the exact location.
“Thanks to the dog’s behaviour, the crew was able to locate the exact site of the accident,” said the rescue service. Rescuers then abseiled into the crevasse and successfully retrieved the man, who was reportedly in stable condition.
Air Zermatt hailed the Chihuahua’s role as “extraordinary,” saying its loyalty and alertness played a key role in the successful operation.
“It is fair to say that his behaviour contributed significantly to the successful rescue,” the service added.
The incident has sparked admiration across Switzerland and beyond, with many praising the dog’s unlikely heroism in a situation where every moment counted.
Written By Rodney Mbua
