In a heartwarming tale of resilience, Sasha, a golden retriever, is on the path to recovery in the comfort of his own home after a harrowing encounter with a copperhead in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. The incident unfolded when Sasha suffered five venomous bites to his hind legs, resulting in severe swelling and rendering him incapable of independent movement.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Sasha’s distressed owners promptly dialed 911, summoning the Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team (WCSART) to the scene. WCSART, an exceptional group of dedicated volunteers serving the Red River Gorge Region, wasted no time responding to the call for help.

According to a post on WCSART’s Facebook page, the team arrived with their stokes basket, ready to assist the owners. Demonstrating remarkable determination, Sasha’s owners had carried their ailing canine companion for nearly one mile before rendezvousing with the WCSART members. With professionalism and compassion, the team administered Benadryl to alleviate Sasha’s suffering and then carefully transported him out on a stretcher.

Sasha’s journey continued at a veterinary hospital located in nearby Lexington, Kentucky. There, he underwent several days of emergency care, including vital anti-venom treatments, before being deemed fit to return home.

Despite the progress made, Sasha is still contending with considerable discomfort, necessitating additional treatments. Nevertheless, he is now recuperating in the soothing familiarity of his own bed, as shared by WCSART on their Facebook page.

WCSART, a tireless volunteer force supported primarily by grants and donations, remains on standby 24/7 to serve the community. While the majority of their missions involve rescuing humans, they occasionally come to the aid of beloved animal companions like Sasha.

Drew Peterson, Public Information Officer for WCSRT, revealed, “At least 2-3 times per year, we conduct rescue operations that involve an animal, typically dogs. These animal rescues encompass various scenarios, from assisting injured or ailing dogs on trails to rescuing dogs stranded on precarious cliff ledges.”

The WCSART team remains exceptionally active in the Red River Gorge, having undertaken nearly 60 wilderness rescue missions so far this year. Their unwavering commitment to the well-being of both humans and animals serves as a testament to their dedication and compassion in times of need.