Day Four: STOP

NOTE:  at the end of this post are answers to some of the questions from yesterdays post.

But right here we have a suggestion from Shawnee the Shepherd http://trailnote.com/  This is an excellent site and people should take advantage of it.  Thanks Shawnee.....

Oh, and my sincerest apologies, it appears you have to wait one more day to find out about the light stick and the blue bandana.  SORRY but if you want a hint, KB has the answer in her comment.

Today us dogs are going to teach a very very important thing to our humans so Listen carefully.

 We love you so much and want you to be safe so no matter what your age, This applies to YOU. 

 Are you Listening?   Are You?

 Here it comes.....
If you ever find that you have gotten separated from your hiking group......
STOP

Seriously......STOP....Don't Panic.  Don't run and try and find your hiking group.  STOP.........STOP.....   Because, you see.....the more you wander, the more likely you are to become even more lost.....Really.  Even those of you who are grown ups.......STOP

 Look around you.....Pick out a Tree.  A beautiful, friendly, happy tree.

Go to that Tree.  Sit yourself down next to your tree and STAY PUT....Wait there.    You can talk to your tree, tell it jokes, sing it songs,  give it a name.  And promise yourself you will STAY WITH YOUR TREE until we come and find you...... 

WE know it will be scary.  WE know you will fill lonely and afraid....but still... YOU MUST STAY PUT. 

Thats it.....Todays Post.....Simple and to the point.   Stop STOP STOP

Check in Tomorrow and we will teach you of some things you can do while you are sitting with your tree waiting for everyone to find you.......(hint) finally the blue bandana

Response to Yesterdays Comments

Fiona, as typed by Dr. Liz said... Fiona
We're not sure if we can count the number of ways to use duct tape in the wilderness, but we've got a few ideas.... However, we're very curious about the BLUE bandana. When we hike (not on one the multi-use trails that has street access every 0.5 miles and cell-phone service everywhere) Mom also carries a 1st aid kit tailored to Dad (sometimes he needs special meds) and to us. Now, with the Thundering Herd raising the question of how you carry out a 50lb dog who can't walk, Mom is thinking about what she can add 'just in case' - any suggestions?

My Vickie and I were very saddened when we read about the happenings at the Thundering Herd.  But just a suggestion for those who are wondering what you are wondering.......Heres One Way to Carry a big dog out.......

A few years ago on a search we had a young german shepherd show signs of exhaustion.....(The dog weighed in at 90 pounds)  The handler was a girl and My Vickie and Jamie were with them at the time.

It was decided that they MUST carry the dog back because they didn't want to exhaust it more and felt it needed medical attention.  (They were bad handlers to have let it get that bad....sometimes you get so intent on finding the missing person that you become a little neglectful of yourself and your partner)

Anyway, It was decided that they would do a fireman carry.  One handler got on their knees and the other handler put Balto (the dog) over the shoulders of the one on her knees.  Placing both set of legs on either side of the head of the carryer. 

Then with great effort, the handler carrying the dog was helped to their feet and began the two mile hike back.

They switched off twice during the hike with one handler carrying the dog and the other handler carrying both 40 pound packs.

It was a MISERABLE experience, but do-able.  The dog was fine by the way.....and went on to do many many more searches.  The handlers on the other hand, will never forget the pain of carrying that dog on thier shoulders and backs.