Tia Vargas and her 76-year-old father set out on a challenging climb up an Idaho mountain, unaware that their quest would culminate in Tia's daring rescue of an injured dog named Boomer.
Around three hours into their walk through the snow-covered mountain terrain, the pair stumbled upon a terrified springer spaniel. A family of hikers who were new to the area and had children with them trailed the dog.
The group was at a loss for what to do because they were concerned about the dog's well-being and had no idea where the dog's owner was. The presence of a collar bearing the name "Boomer" led them to believe that this was the lost dog indicated on a notice at the trailhead.
Boomer had suffered serious injuries and was unable to walk, as Tia and her father learned upon closer study. This dedicated pup had clearly been abandoned in the wilderness to face a horrific fate. "His eyes were swollen and bloodshot," Tia recalled. "His entire body was swollen, including his hindquarters." He was dehydrated, and his tummy and head were scraped and scratched. His condition was dire."
Despite her own tiredness from the difficult walk, Tia had returned multiple times to assist her father in crossing the challenging terrain. She was exhausted by the time she arrived at the crest, close to where Boomer had been found. She couldn't bear the thought of abandoning the injured dog. Tia made a solid decision at that moment: she would transfer Boomer safely out of the mountains.
Tia carefully put the 55-pound dog over her shoulders and began the laborious descent with her father. Their assignment was more challenging than they had anticipated. They had been told not to use the trail because it was blocked by snow and debris. Despite her best efforts, Tia found no one ready to assist her in pulling Boomer down the mountain. Her father provided her with the emotional support she required to persevere.
"He cracked a joke, and it made me laugh," she added. "I told myself, 'I'm fine.'" 'I think I can do it.' So I prayed quickly and rushed to get Boomer. It was as if someone appeared behind me and lifted the weight off my shoulders."
Tia arrived six hours and seven miles later at the mountain's base, reuniting Boomer with his relieved owners. Boomer had fallen 200 feet into a 100-foot snow crevasse, leaving his family in a state of terror. They had searched for him, but he was nowhere to be found.
The family expressed their gratitude while also surprising Tia, who was happy that Boomer was safe. They were getting ready to move and were looking for a new home for Boomer. They wondered whether Tia might consider adopting their pet dog after seeing her valiant efforts to save him.
Tia was moved by the offer and thought that fate had led her up the mountain to meet Boomer. As a result of a chance encounter on a challenging mountain walk, Tia has become Boomer's new loving owner, and the two have built a relationship of happiness and gratitude.
