Mountain rescuers were called to assist in evacuating a dog from Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest peak, after it ingested discarded cannabis. Fourteen members of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team carried the 60-pound black Labrador, named Tokyo, off the 4,413-foot mountain.
Tokyo's owner, Christina Bluhme, reported that the dog rapidly deteriorated on the trail, losing the use of her legs and drifting in and out of consciousness. Bluhme feared for Tokyo's life. It was only after assessment by Crown Vets in Fort William that the suspected ingestion of cannabis was identified.
"Without the incredible Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team there is simply no way I could have got her safely off the mountain," Bluhme stated. "Carrying a 60lb labrador down Ben Nevis was impossible on my own."
Tokyo was unconscious for much of the descent and her time at the veterinary hospital but recovered fully by the following day. Bluhme urged other dog owners to be vigilant about discarded drugs and toxic substances on trails.
Astie Cameron, deputy team leader of Lochaber MRT, confirmed that it was suspected Tokyo had ingested something that made her critically unwell. He expressed gratitude to Crown Vets and Tokyo's owner for updates.
This incident marks one of the more unusual callouts for the team. In a similar event in 2022, the team assisted a 70-pound Turkish Akbash named Maggie, who had sore paws and refused to continue descending the mountain. In that instance, a stretcher party with treats was dispatched.
Tokyo's rescue was the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team's 116th callout of the year, which is reportedly heading towards a record number of incidents.