Strangers hiking Black Canyon City Trail find lost dogs identified in social media post

Yahoo! News - Apr 27th, 2025
Open on Yahoo! News

Two dogs, Spike and Snickers, were rescued after being missing for four days on the Black Canyon City Trail. A hiker named Steve Eisenreich found the dogs about 1.5 miles from the trailhead on April 25. Recognizing them from a Facebook post in the 'Lost & Found Pets of Black Canyon City' group, Eisenreich provided them with water and contacted the Daisy Mountain Fire Department. With assistance from another hiker, Conrad Begaye, Eisenreich carried the exhausted Spike using a dog rescue sling to meet firefighters halfway back to the trailhead. The dogs were safely returned to their owner, Kathleen Paulson Wesley, who expressed immense relief and gratitude on Facebook.

This incident highlights the power of community and social media in rescuing lost pets. The public Facebook group played a crucial role in spreading awareness about the missing dogs, enabling their successful recovery. The collaborative efforts of hikers and local emergency services underscore the importance of vigilance and willingness to assist in emergency situations. The successful rescue of Spike and Snickers not only brought joy to the owner but also demonstrated the impact of collective action in ensuring the safety and well-being of lost pets.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-structured and engaging account of a local rescue story, highlighting the role of community and social media in reuniting lost pets with their owners. It excels in clarity and timeliness, effectively conveying the emotional impact of the rescue. However, it relies heavily on social media sources, which could be supplemented with more authoritative voices to enhance credibility. While it lacks broader public interest themes and potential for controversy, it serves as a heartwarming narrative that resonates with pet owners and animal lovers. Overall, the story is a compelling piece that captures the reader's attention and encourages community involvement.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story presents a factual account of two dogs being rescued after being lost for four days, with key details such as the dogs' names, the location, and the timeline being consistent with other reports. The claim that the dogs were found 1.5 miles from the trailhead and the involvement of social media in their rescue are supported by the narrative provided. However, certain specifics, like the exact GPS coordinates of the rescue and the precise medical evaluation of the dogs, are not detailed in the story, leaving some minor gaps in verification. Nonetheless, the core facts are corroborated by external sources, lending credibility to the story's accuracy.

7
Balance

The article focuses primarily on the rescue of the dogs, presenting a single narrative without delving into broader perspectives. While it provides a heartwarming account, it lacks viewpoints from other stakeholders, such as the rescue team or local authorities, which could have enriched the narrative. The article does not exhibit overt bias, but the emphasis on the emotional aspect could overshadow other relevant perspectives, such as the challenges faced by rescue personnel or the role of community efforts in similar situations.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear structure that guides the reader through the sequence of events. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the story easy to follow. The narrative effectively conveys the emotional impact of the rescue, although it occasionally prioritizes sentiment over facts. Overall, the article is coherent and engaging, with a logical flow that aids comprehension.

6
Source quality

The story relies on a Facebook post from Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical and a personal account from Steve Eisenreich, who found the dogs. While these sources are directly involved in the event, the reliance on social media as a primary source raises questions about the depth of verification. The article would benefit from additional authoritative sources, such as official statements from the fire department or local animal rescue organizations, to bolster its credibility.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources, primarily Facebook posts and personal accounts, which are clearly cited. However, it lacks detailed methodology regarding how the information was gathered and verified. The absence of explicit conflict of interest disclosures or potential biases related to the sources limits the transparency of the reporting. Providing more context about the role of social media and the verification of claims would enhance the article's transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.12news.com/article/life/animals/2-dogs-rescued-after-being-lost-desert-for-4-days/75-4eba4aba-79cd-4398-8609-e227a67040a5
  2. https://arewelostyet.blog/2018/12/13/exploring-the-abandoned-black-canyon-city-dog-track/
  3. https://www.lostmydoggie.com/missing-pets.cfm?petkindid=1&alerttypeid=1&zipcode=85324&radius=50