Mountain rescuers were called to assist a Labrador named Tokyo after she became critically unwell on Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest peak. The 14-member Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team carried the dog off the 4413ft mountain after she lost the use of her legs.
Tokyo's owner, Christina Bluhme, stated that the dog was drifting in and out of consciousness and she feared for her pet's life. It was not until after being assessed by Crown Vets in Fort William that Ms. Bluhme learned her dog had likely ingested cannabis. "Without the incredible Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team there is simply no way I could have got her safely off the mountain," Ms. Bluhme said, adding that carrying the 60lb Labrador down Ben Nevis alone was impossible.
Astie Cameron, deputy team leader of Lochaber MRT, confirmed that it was suspected Tokyo had ingested something that made her critically unwell. Tokyo was unconscious for much of the journey and her subsequent time at the veterinary hospital, but made a full recovery by the following day.
Ms. Bluhme advised other dog owners to be vigilant about discarded drugs and other toxic substances on trails. The rescue was the team's 116th callout of the year. In 2022, the Lochaber MRT also assisted in the rescue of a 70lb dog named Maggie, a Turkish Akbash, who had sore paws and refused to continue on the descent of Ben Nevis.