Chihuahua helps rescue owner from 8-meter crevasse

A Chihuahua gained attention in the Alps for helping locate and rescue its owner who had fallen into a crevasse on the Fee Glacier.

On 7/7, AFP, citing a statement from the Air Zermatt helicopter rescue service in Switzerland, reported the "extraordinary" rescue conducted on 4/7. A man was trekking on the Fee Glacier with his pet Chihuahua when he fell into an 8-meter crevasse, leaving the dog on the surface.

The man had a radio and called for help, but rescuers had difficulty pinpointing his location. "The glacier surface is vast, and crevasses are almost impossible to see," Air Zermatt stated.

Rescuers then spotted small movements on the glacier's surface – the Chihuahua had not left the crevasse opening.

The Chihuahua that helped save its owner on the Fee Glacier in the Alps. Photo: Air Zermatt

The Chihuahua that helped save its owner on the Fee Glacier in the Alps. Photo: Air Zermatt

"Thanks to the dog staying with its owner, the team was able to pinpoint the accident site. Rescuers rappelled down and rescued the man. The Chihuahua's actions contributed significantly to the mission's success," Air Zermatt stated. The dog remained at the scene, observing the entire rescue operation.

St. Bernards are renowned for mountain rescues, particularly in the Italian and Swiss Alps. Known for their patience and loyalty, they are used to locate people lost in avalanches or on trails.

St. Bernards are large, weighing up to 100 kg. Chihuahuas, the world's smallest dog breed, average 1.5 to 3 kg, but are known for their intelligence and loyalty. AFP described the Fee Glacier rescue as evidence that St. Bernards have "met their match" in the Alps.