Hikers buried by avalanche saved by their canine companions

Avers, Switzerland - This story once again cements dogs' status as man's best friend (and savior).

The barking of two dogs alerted a group of snow school runners to the avalanche victims (collage, stock images).
The barking of two dogs alerted a group of snow school runners to the avalanche victims (collage, stock images).  © 123RF/byrdyak, 123RF/Galyna Andrushko

Two hikers were walking in the Swiss Avers Valley (near St. Moritz on the Italian border) on Saturday, according to the Swiss Air Rescue (REGA).

Both were buried by a sudden avalanche shortly after 3:00 PM. The hikers' two dogs got lucky and were spared by the falling snow.

The animals immediately tried to draw attention to themselves by barking loudly and running back and forth.

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Their efforts were a success: a group of people nearby heard the loyal pooches. They made their way to the site of the avalanche, where they arrived about 15 minutes after it had struck. There, they noticed a hand sticking out of the snow.

The group immediately began to dig the buried person out of the snow. The second person was also quickly found and rescued.

Fortunately, both avalanche victims were only slightly injured. REGA, which had been alerted in the meantime, then flew the victims to the hospital to treat their mild hypothermia.

Without the attentive dogs, this story probably would not have such a happy ending.

Cover photo: 123RF/byrdyak, 123RF/Galyna Andrushko

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