A Labrador named Tokyo had to be stretchered down from Scotland's tallest mountain after she was believed to have eaten cannabis. The black dog was hiking up Ben Nevis with her owner, Christina Bluhme, when she suddenly began behaving strangely last weekend.
Dog collapsed halfway up the mountain
Tokyo lost the use of her legs and began drifting in and out of consciousness halfway up the 4,413ft peak. Her owner said vets believe Tokyo had eaten cannabis left on the trail.
Bluhme, a dog trainer from Surrey, called for help as she feared the worst could happen when Tokyo collapsed. Unable to carry her down the steep and rocky terrain, she alerted the mountain rescue.
Bluhme said: 'I genuinely thought I was going to lose her. Without the incredible Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, there is simply no way I could have got her safely off the mountain. Carrying a 25kg Labrador down Ben Nevis was impossible on my own.'
Dog made full recovery after veterinary care
The black Lab was out of it most of the journey down, where she was taken to the Crown Vets in Fort William. Tokyo made a full recovery the next day after being seriously ill from the unknown substance, leaving her owner feeling 'incredibly lucky.'
Bluhme added: 'From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone at Lochaber Mountain Rescue and to the veterinary team who cared for Tokyo. You were there when we needed you most, and I will never forget your compassion and dedication. A little reminder to fellow dog owners: please be aware that discarded drugs and other toxic substances can sometimes be found even in the most beautiful outdoor places. It was something I never imagined we would encounter.'
Mountain rescue team responds to many call-outs
A spokesperson for the mountain rescue said they were pleased to hear Tokyo had made a full recovery after being suspected of ingesting 'something that made her critically unwell.' The Scottish Mountain Rescue teams responded to 1,270 separate call-outs last year, helping 901 people. The Lochaber team is one of Scotland's busiest, carrying out demanding rescues, including on the north face of Ben Nevis and the remote Knoydart Peninsula.
