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SUNDANCE — A Utah woman was reunited with her dog who survived a significant fall into a deep hole at Stewart Falls on the back side of Mount Timpanogos.
Salt Lake City resident Yichu Su said her pup is in the doghouse, but she hoped his 7-hour rescue story could serve as a safety reminder to dogs and humans alike.
While hiking west of Sundance with Su, 4-year-old Beeroo fell into a 40-foot hole Saturday after a substantial avalanche had filled Stewart Falls.
“Obviously dogs are loved family members, but all too often we do calls like this that don’t end up as happily as this one did,” said Brett Johnson, a search and rescue volunteer for the Utah County Sheriff’s Office.
Johnson risked his life to save the dog.
Beeroo and his owner were familiar with the popular Steward Falls Trail hike in the summer, but not the winter. That’s when the husky-pit bull mix wandered into the dangerous territory.
“I’m watching the dog while they’re talking,” said James Bobb, a hiker who witnessed the fall. “He walks up, comes back down and falls — and he was gone. I’m like, ‘Oh, my gosh.’ Your heart really falls out. I just yelled, ‘Your dog just fell in a hole!’”
Su experienced a roller coaster of emotions while she waited for help to arrive.
“I know it’s very irrational, but I just couldn’t believe he just (fell) in that hole,” she said.
Hikers stayed by her side for hours to reassure her.
“It’s amazing. It’s like, you don’t know those people and they just stand by there and comfort you and just say 'no worries' and 'your dog is still alive,’” said Su.
Watching her reunite with man’s best friend was like watching the end of a happy movie. The reunion was captured on video. It was clear Beeroo was thrilled to be reunited with Su.
“I didn’t even know who took the video. I can’t believe he’s still alive,” said Su.
“I didn’t even know these guys. We all got so close. It felt like he was my dog. I feel like everyone had the same attitude,” said Matt Mendonsa, another hiker who waited with Su for some time.
The takeaway of Beeroo’s happily ever after: Even one wrong step in winter conditions, for a dog or human, can be deadly.
“You see a lot of things,” said Johnson, tearing up, “and it’s good to see them end happily.”
“You just don’t believe there are so many nice people around you. I would say Utah is the best. Thank you,” said Su.
Su also wanted to thank Yuren Yachi, Lien Shen, and Spencer and Mariah Pratt for their support.
Officials reminded people to check avalanche danger before heading out to hike.
