A Chihuahua is being celebrated as a hero following a dramatic rescue of its owner who fell into a crevasse on the Fee Glacier in southern Switzerland. The incident occurred on March 15, 2024, when the man fell approximately 8 meters (about 26 feet) after breaking through a snow bridge while exploring the area.
The unnamed man was equipped with a walkie-talkie, which allowed him to communicate with a nearby individual who promptly alerted emergency services. However, the exact location of the fall remained unclear, complicating the rescue efforts.
After approximately half an hour of searching, a member of the rescue team spotted the Chihuahua, which was pacing on an Alpine rock. This crucial sighting directed the rescuers closer to the crevasse, where the man was trapped. As they approached the dog, the hole in the glacier became more visible, facilitating the rescue.
Rescue teams from Air Zermatt rappelled down into the crevasse, successfully retrieving the man. Both he and his loyal companion were then airlifted to a local hospital for medical evaluation.
Bruno Kalbermatten, a spokesman for Air Zermatt, expressed gratitude for the dog’s role in the rescue. “Imagine if the dog wasn’t there,” he stated in a phone interview. “I have no idea what would happen to this guy. I think he wouldn’t survive this fall into the crevasse.”
Air Zermatt further praised the Chihuahua on their website, calling it a “four-legged hero who may have saved his master’s life in a life-threatening situation.” This extraordinary tale highlights not only the bond between humans and their pets but also the remarkable instincts that can emerge in critical situations.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers in alpine environments and the importance of safety measures while exploring remote areas. It is fortunate that this story ended positively, thanks in part to the quick thinking of a small dog.
