Trooper dispatch reported a rescue mission on Petersville Road on Monday afternoon that involved "man's best friend." According to the report, a snowmachiner's dog was instrumental in saving its owner's life.

At approximately 2 pm on Monday, Trapper Creek resident Tom Taylor was out riding snow machines with a friend at mile 17 of Petersville Road when they saw an Irish Setter running towards them. The canine came from the direction of a local lake in the area.

According to the report, the dog, later identified as “Amber,” led the snowmachiners approximately 400 yards back towards the lake. When Taylor and his friend arrived, they found a severely injured rider, Otis Orth of Trapper Creek, laying in the snow. Taylor immediately called in to troopers to report their discovery.

Several cabin owners in the area also responded to the scene where the injured Orth was located. They assisted in keeping the injured man warm until medical help could arrive. Orth was conscious, breathing, and alert, but was unable to move because of the extent of his injuries according to troopers.

According to the report, Orth had crashed his snow machine the previous day suffering debilitating injuries. He had hit a snowdrift and flipped his machine. His faithful dog remained at his side throughout the night, keeping him warm enough to survive the night. It wasn’t until the man’s faithful companion heard snowmachines the next day, that she left his side to retrieve help.

At 3:40 pm, EMS and troopers, arrived at the scene with their off-road rescue equipment at about the same time as a LifeMed helicopter made it from Anchorage to the injured man. EMS stabilized the 52-year-old rider, after which, he was loaded on to the helicopter and transported to an Anchorage hospital. Orth is currently listed in stable condition.

“Amber” was released to a friend of the victim.