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Group Rescues Hiker And Dog Atop Quandary Peak

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. (CBS4)- Over the weekend the Summit County Rescue Group saved a dog that was trapped with a hiker near the summit of Quandary Peak just south of Breckenridge.

Rescuers responded to a sharp rocky ridge over the weekend that usually involved using a rope and harness.

The stranded hiker and his dog did not have the proper equipment. After getting stuck just after sunset with the 75-pound dog, the rescue volunteers were called in to help.

They were finally able to get the hiker back to their car safely at 6:30 a.m. Monday just minutes before the season's first snow storm rolled in.

One volunteer said the location they were called to has had six deaths in recent years.

"We try and balance every call we come across with the safety and risk to the rescuer. That includes if we rescue the animal as well as the human as a course of rescue," said Summit County Rescue Group volunteer Ben Slivka.

Although not much information has been released on the hiker, he is from Lakewood and an Eagle Scout. Rescuers said even those who are trained for adventure can wind up in a precarious position.

Rescuers advise hikers embarking on massive peaks, like Colorado's dozens of 14ers, to leave their dogs at home. They said it is easy for dogs to get injured, especially on their paws.

They said they get about five calls a year that involves a stranded hiker and man's best friend.

RELATED: Man Who Left Dog On Mountaintop Wants Rescuer To Have Her

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