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Crime

Hiker Who Abandoned Injured Dog on Mountain Charged With Animal Cruelty and Pressured to Give It Up

Sep. 18, 2012 10:13am Liz Klimas

Man Who Left Injured Dog on Mountain Faces Death Threats, Animal Cruelty Charges and Gives Up Custody

Missy was left on a mountain for eight days before being rescued and brought down. (Image: KMGH)

DENVER (TheBlaze/AP) — A man who left his more than 100-pound dog on a Colorado mountain after it became injured and weather conditions caused him to fear for his own safety and that of a teenage climbing companion said he has received death threats for his actions.

The German shepherd mix named Missy was found more than a week after owner Anthony Ortolani left her on Mount Bierstadt in early August. She was brought down by a group of hikers and is now doing well.

Ortolani, who has been charged with animal cruelty by investigators over the incident, paid for Missy’s vet bills and reluctantly agreed to turn over the dog to one of the rescuers, bending to criticism he has received for leaving the dog to die.

Rescuers with Missy (Photo: Scott Washburn via KMGH)

Another hiker spotted the injured dog after eight days, and volunteers coordinated a rescue effort through a climbing website. Rescuers found the dog bloodied and close to death on a ridge.

Ortolani told KMGH-TV he was forced to leave the dog on the mountain after the animal got injured. He said he and a 19-year-old friend tried to carry the 112-pound animal for more than two hours over rocky terrain, but he worried for his safety and that of the teen and had to abandon her.

“I don’t want to give her up. I love her, but those people risked life and limb to get her out of there, and that has got to be worth something,” said Ortalani, adding that he has already paid close to $5,000 in vet and boarding bills.

Ortolani with Missy. (Image: KMGH)

Ortolani was climbing with the 19-year-old son of a friend when bad weather moved in. He said the canine’s feet were blistered and she was unable to walk. He said he and his climbing companion were also struggling in the bad weather and decided it was time to come down for their own safety.

“Carrying her down, unfortunately caused her more injury,” Ortolani said. “She fought with me and squirmed off my shoulders, and I dropped her on some rocks and she got hurt worse. Everybody says `Why didn’t you go back?’ My physical condition was significantly deteriorated, my emotional condition was no good. I thought she was dead.”

Watch this report from KUSA with footage of Ortolani’s side of the story:

Ortolani called a friend who contacted the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office but was told the region was too dangerous and crews don’t rescue animals.

Ortolani acknowledged that he didn’t put up a sign on the trailhead bulletin board asking to be contacted if anyone saw his dog. He said he takes full responsibility for taking the dog with him on a hike that proved to be too difficult for her.

“I’ve always wanted nothing but the best for her, and that’s why I take her everywhere with me,” he said.

Missy pictured on the mountain. (Photo via 14ers.com)

After Ortolani learned of the rescue, he asked for his dog back. But Clear Creek County authorities conducted an investigation and charged him with animal cruelty.

The rescuers appeared on the daytime talk show Ellen Monday (via the Daily Mail):

The rescuers, not knowing each other before retrieving the dog, were organized online through the site 14ers.com. Discussion on the site, which KMGH reports went on for more than 49 pages, included Ortolani owning up to what he did and saying he feels “stress and sadness from the whole situation.” Here is some of what was written on the site against Ortolani’s actions:

“All I can say is, you left Missy on that mountain, and now she deserves to live with someone who cared enough to rescue her. (Seven) days she laid there bleeding, hurt, alone, tired, hungry and thirsty. Her old life ended when the people she counted on the most left her, and her new life begins with one of the rescuers, or anyone who won’t abandon her, for that matter,” one poster wrote.

Another wrote, “I feel that the owner should spend 8 days and nights on the Sawtooth himself without water, food, shelter. Then I would advocate that he has earned a slight chance to get her back. Sorry but the owner left her for dead. I would not have, even in pain I would have found friends, searched for help, posted signs, something.”

Watch this ABC News report from earlier in the month covering the rescue and custody battle:

Eventually administrators for the site decided to lock the board for a time due to comments becoming hostile.

The decision to give up custody of Missy to one of her rescuers was part of a possible plea bargain.

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Comments (199)

wolverine
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 12:04pm
If he would do that to his dog don’t depend on him to help an individual in trouble on the mountain, I would trust him to help anyone or anything.

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- WhataBunchOfShi
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 12:27pm
  He did help an individual HE Brought Home The Teenager!!! If they were stuck up there for 8 days that dog would be dinner.
  
  Report this comment
- yinzer
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 12:35pm
  In my opinion, I have a golden lab/retriever mix that weighs 131lbs. This guys dog is roughly the same weight. After looking at where the dog was and how rocky the terrain was I believe after seeing how upset he appears in the one interview he really tried his best. Sacrifices need to be made in life and death decisions and he had to make a hard decision. Leave a person behind or leave a pet behind. He was damned if he left either so give the guy a damn break.
  
  Half of the people on here have probably never hiked into mountainous terrain and have no idea how truely hard it is. It is easy to sit behind a computer and judge people versus going out and experiencing what this guy probably did.
  
  I think he made the right choice, he even called the police/rangers and they would not attempt a rescue because it was too dangerous…. yea remind yourself of that, if the police/rangers did not want to go clearly it was a dire situation. The guy was left on his own to figure it out and was probably hopeless, is he heartless? I don’t think, did he maybe not try everything he could? Maybe, should he be stripped of his pet of years? NO, this is heartbreaking and he should be reunited with his dog.
  
  Don’t be so quick to pass judgement people, we all are human, and keep acting like this and you won’t have a choice in this country soon, you all act like he should be stoned to death.
  
  Think a little more before you post 1 sentence replies.
  
  Report this comment
- KevINtampa
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 12:40pm
  I’m the biggest dog lover there is, and my dog looks nearly identical to this one. Put yourself in his shoes. He was likely torn up about his dog and fearful of the safety of the teenager with him. He made a mistake and got in over his head. For those being such big internet badass’s, f-off. You weren’t there tough guys. You weren’t him. How about you drop your tough guy pose and show a little compassion for a guy who made a mistake and is now receiving death threats from miserable types like you. You are what’s wrong with this world.
  
  Sorry about what happened to you and your dog Anthony. Sorry it happened at a time when if something goes wrong society charges you with unfair cruelty charges and advertises it to the world for the death threats and judgmental virtual tough guys seem to be the only voice leaving reason and compassion in an empty vat of lard.
  
  Report this comment
- KevINtampa
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 12:42pm
  Yinzer, replies like that provide hope in a world devoid of inspiration. Great post.
  
  Report this comment
- Mil-Dot
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 1:32pm
  Yinser,
  Please don’t assume that you know any of us or whether or not we have hiked into the mountains or not. You don’t know jack squat about what we have done or not done. You are right about what unfolded but please don’t make yourself out to be a mountain man while casting the rest of us as punks. We all know how difficult it is to hike uphill. Ok.
  
  Report this comment
- ehayes2006
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 1:57pm
  I think I have to agree with Yinzer on this one…..I myself have been through some extensive hikes (Philmont) and know first hand how hard it is. Should he have left the dog or his son or his son’s friend? All you rabid animal nuts need to think a little bit more.
  
  Report this comment
- StandingOnMyHead
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 2:40pm
  Wow, you all have really distorted this story. Yes, given the situation that Anthony found himself in, he did make the right call by initially leaving the dog and seeking safety for himself and his nineteen year old hiking partner. However, if Anthony had done his research on the Sawtooth area he would have realized it is a class III climb and he would have known not to take the dog to begin with (unless he knew he was himself physically capable of lifting his pet above his shoulder or hoisting her up on numerous occasions to help prevent injury to begin with. Had he done his research, I can’t imagine why he would want to take that chance).
  
  Now, Anthony made his decision, educated or not, and put the dog’s life in jeopardy. Once he and his hiking companion reached safety, there was absolutely no reason to not seek help from the climbing community. I personally am not big on “feel good laws”, but on this one, Anthony made no additional attempt to save his pet that he, himself, put in harms way. Her only injuries were to her paws and whatever else he may have compounded to by dropping her. There was no reason not to make every effort possible to try and go back with more muscle and retrieve her. He left her to starve, hence, animal cruelty.
  
  Crossing the Sawtooth is not necessary to summit either mountain between it and Anthony should have been aware of the dangers before he attempted to make the journey so that he could summit both within one day. Accountability
  
  Report this comment
- StandingOnMyHead
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 3:04pm
  *Accountability matters!
  
  Report this comment
- black9897
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 3:20pm
  Wow. It’s an animal. People are waaaaay to protective of animals. If only I ruled the world. Get rid of stupid “animal cruelty” crap like this.
  
  Report this comment
- black9897
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 3:48pm
  Accountability? For??? Choosing a human life over a dogs life? I’m not saying to intentionally put animals in harms way, but to say he needs to be held accountable for this or anything like this is absurd. How about we start holding lions accountable for attacking poor helpless animals in the wild? Dear God people, these are ANIMALS. Everyone is so emotional because it’s an “animal” and they let their stupid feelings get in the way of facts. It seems people get more upset over this dog than they do abortion.
  
  Report this comment
- patriotphil
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 4:10pm
  i have no question he took the right decision. where he failed is not doing anything else. yes it is an animal but that animal is also a pet and with that comes responsibilities . this dog unfortunately trusted the wrong person.
  
  Report this comment
- iig
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 4:12pm
  I hate when I leave out the “not” too.
  
  Report this comment
- StandingOnMyHead
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 4:38pm
  Haha, wow Black, no! Accountable for not being prepared for the trail and conditions. Unfortunately accountability in this country is a thing of the past for the sake of any life, human or other…so is educating one’s self with a little research!
  
  Report this comment
- jhrusky
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 5:57pm
  While I understand making a hard decision and helping another human being down, I do not understand him not at least finding someone to help go back and check for the dog immediately. I would have. Therefore, he is guilty as charged. A dog, more loyal than the vast majority of human beings, certainly deserved to be rescued in any manner possible.
  
  Report this comment
- BryanB
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 6:28pm
  I wonder if the government will charge people with “animal cruelty”, when they start eating their Cats and Dogs, because food is becoming to expensive in the Grocery Store ????
  
  Report this comment
- FREEDOMoverFEAR
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 6:39pm
  Yinzer
  
  I like how you tell us how you judged this man then you tell us not to. I’m so glad we have you, the ultimate authority on right and wrong to tell us how to think.
  
  LOL I love your line about how he was left to fend for himself with no Governement assistance. You do realize you’re on a far right website don’t you? On this website we believe in people fending for themselves.
  
  Report this comment
- black9897
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 6:56pm
  So you think he should be for this? Of course people need to be held accountable for REAL crimes. Not this non-sense.
  
  Report this comment
- Armed Patriot
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 7:25pm
  Sorry friends I would have sent the teenager on alone… and died with my dog before I left her. Disgraceful. What a damn shame for him and his dog. I believe that the dog IS Gods greatest creation, not man. Man might be more intelligent but look where that has gotten us, on the eve of WWIII. A dog is more loyal than any man. More loyal than your wife, your son, your daughter, your siblings, your parents, or your neighbors… at least mine is. God bless Lady Samantha of the Valley (Sammy) and RIP Sir Brutus of Saint Marie (Brutus) her boyfriend, my AKC Boxers, my bestis friends. Thank you Lord.
  
  Report this comment
- Armed Patriot
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 7:37pm
  black9897… Sorry for making a non racist comment that will undoubtedly called RACIST, from the blacks and latinos I know it seems there is a difference in the way that different races see their pets. From my experiences, MY experience, it seems blacks and latinos are more like to treat their dogs as possessions where as whites are more likely to see our dogs as family. I have two sons and two grandchildren. If I saw them all being washed down the river and I could only save one, I would save my dog. My children are both grown men and have to rely on themselves, my grandchildren have both a mother and a father to depend on. My dog has only me. Just animals, HELL NO!!! Family. I know, just say it, Im a racist.
  
  Report this comment
- Armed Patriot
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 7:39pm
  By the way God bless the hikers that saved her. Kudos and a big slice of raisin pie to each of you.
  
  Report this comment
- black9897
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 8:10pm
  No need to apologize ARMED PATRIOT, that wasn’t racist at all. I hope no one thinks it’s racist either.
  
  I understand there are people out there that care deeply for their pets and love them a lot. I personally am not like that, but if you or anyone else is that’s perfectly fine. I try my best to be sensitive to that, sometimes I guess I can come across as cruel. I’ve grown up with cats my whole life, so I don’t hate animals. My frustration comes when it seems people put animals over other humans. I understand your example, but I’m sure if you literally had to choose between saving a human life and your dog’s you’d choose the human if no one else could save the human.
  
  Report this comment
- StandingOnMyHead
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:45pm
  Wow Black, I am very confused by your posts. I simply try to get you to understand what it means to be accountable and you want to totally lash out at me, but to someone else you are heartfelt. Help me understand where you ever thought I would put a dog before a human. We have found many stray….humans….on 14ers that we have helped get to down safely. I just don’t understand why it is considered by soooo many on here to be a bad thing to want the safety for our pets as well. ACCOUNTABILITY…why does it have to be criminal in your opinion to matter!
  
  Report this comment
- black9897
  Posted on September 19, 2012 at 10:31am
  I’m sorry; I didn’t ‘mean to lash out at you.
  
  That’s the way it came across. I also think it’s morally wrong to charge someone with a crime when he did not violate any rights of humans or cause any human damage.
  
  Report this comment
- StandingOnMyHead
  Posted on September 19, 2012 at 12:58pm
  Thank you Black! I actually agree with you, however, the laws are currently on the books and until these laws are struck from the books, people are accountable to abide by them. Being from here, Anthony should have known that, we have enough in the news regarding animal cruelty. Now, hopefully more people are informed, if you visit Colorado, think about the safety of your pet before striking out. We can’t pick and chose who will be charged when it comes to light that an animal has been left to starve under the current law. (Don’t count on that changing anytime soon either, regardless of how we feel.)
  
  Aside from the facts, from a moral standpoint, I personally believe that Anthony could have and should have done more to save the pet he claims to love so, otherwise, don’t own one.
  
  Report this comment
- black9897
  Posted on September 20, 2012 at 10:42am
  Well, I see it how I see any absurd law. That is to practice non-violent non-cooperation. Granted, this is kinda hard to do since it involves a pet and you don’t want to purposely put your pet in harm’s way. So next best thing is hope police don’t enforce this.
  
  I would agree. If someone won’t take care of their pet then they shouldn’t own. Although In this situation I’m not too concerned.
  
  Report this comment
MCDAVE
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:58am
People come first..His decision is his business .. maybe the rescuers of the dog need to walk a mile in his shoes before they pass judgement. took 8 people in good weather conditions to rescue the dog..How can 2 men in life threatening conditions be expected to carry a hundred pound animal to safety?

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- Latter-Day-Soldier
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 12:15pm
  In this politically Correct day and age, people will demand you get lynched for leaving a poodle in a parked car.
  
  Report this comment
- loriann12
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 12:26pm
  Yes, people come first. If I was hiking with my son and my dog, and the dog got injured I might leave her to get my son to safety, but you can sure bet I’d have done more to look for her once I was safe. Even if I had to beg someone else to go for me, if my health deterioted. I woudn’t write her off as dead until I saw a body.
  
  Report this comment
- Nobugginme
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 12:33pm
  @LDS .. A poodle, or any dog (or child for that matter) SHOULDN’T be left in a parked car! That guy had no business taking the dog with him. It is his own negligence that put her life in danger. And he left her to die. I am sick of seeing people parading their dogs around everywhere they go. Dogs and cats belong in a home, not as an arm accessory or a hiking companion. What in the world is wrong with our society that kills its unborn and turns a blind eye at shelters filled with unwanted, uncared for animals?
  
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- KevINtampa
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 12:50pm
  “Dogs and cats belong in a home”
  
  Ummm.
  
  Report this comment
- PorkPIG
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 1:09pm
  Seriously the dog would eat you if hungry enough , i won’t risk my life for something that will eat me . I would so have done the same thing as the hiker .
  
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- Brooke Lorren
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 5:18pm
  On Everest, they will leave humans on the side of the trail if the weather conditions get too bad and they have to get down the mountain to rescue themselves.
  
  This is one reason not to have pets.
  
  Report this comment
- Armed Patriot
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 7:44pm
  Me thinks nobuggingme belongs in a home… if you get my drift.
  
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Tom K
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:55am
Today’s ” Greenies ” value most every animal’s life more that human life. The ” Radical Greenies ” wish that ALL HUMAN LIFE would be extinguished and just leave the earth to the animals. I would Cut a couple of TREES, make a stretcher even if I had to use other Plant Life to make it, load up my doggie, and with the help of that 19 year old who is old enough to die for their country, carry my dog down the mountain, even if it took days and days. Stop the Wussification of America !

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- Texas Chris
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 1:34pm
  Yup, totally agree.
  
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- Teufel Hunden
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 1:41pm
  You don’t have to be a “greenie” to prefer the company of animals to that of humans. In fact, if choosing sides I will pick an animal over a liberal any day.
  
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- devildogger
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 3:48pm
  I’m with you, Teufel. Dogs have infinitely more character, loyalty and heart than left wingers.
  
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getourcountryback
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:48am
He could have paid for a hiker to go look for the dog. He could have gone back himself. He did nothing. I would never leave my animal behind.

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- Walkabout
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 12:09pm
  Between my kid & the family pet, I would leave the family pet.
  Between someone else’s kid & the my family pet, I would leave the family pet.
  
  He made the right choice.
  
  Report this comment
- KevINtampa
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 12:54pm
  So, because you wouldn’t do it this guy should be charged with a crime and crucified in the public square?
  
  Individual freedom means you leave some space for others to live how you may not.
  
  Report this comment
- BigRedUSA1
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 5:07pm
  First of all, I wouldn’t have taken my dog up into the mountains; knowing full well the potential dangers of the terrain. Secondly, this guy didn’t seem to broken up about abandoning his dog and simply went on his way. I know people are saying we don’t understand the full situation, but the hikers that effected the dog’s rescue had more concern than her owner did, and got help. It baffles me why people want to even have animals if they don’t want to take care of them? Owning animals requires that you make a commitment to them and to care for their well being, and this guy demonstrated that he could care less. I hope they charge him with animal cruelty, not for leaving the dog initially, but for the stupidity of endangering its welfare to begin with and then not trying to rescue it.
  
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- Chris610
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 9:26pm
  Did yuo even read the article? He had a friend call the police to get the dog, did they give him animal services number or tell him to go on the website. NO all they said is we dont rescue animals!!! learn to read people
  
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- H-Rock 75
  Posted on September 20, 2012 at 3:53pm
  He made the right choice on the mountain and he called the sheriff to ask for help. Some people don’t know who to ask for help when they need it. I wrecked my truck once in a snowstorm and had to call state troopers because I was 500 miles from anyone i could count on and had nobody else to call for help, and I only knew to call them because we worked in the same building. They didn’t pull me out but they called a wrecker and flagged traffic while he pulled my truck. Why didn’t the sheriff office offer to help him find someone who would help? You cannot tell me they were clueless and if they were they need to be replaced. Charging him with cruelty after not helping him is a load of dog-dung, no pun intended.
  
  Report this comment
cristo52
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:45am
They ought to take this guys shoes away for life, that will keep him off mountains.

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- devildogger
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 4:01pm
  Yeah, that’s a brilliant solution. Remember, it is better to be thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt.
  
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BasketFullOfPuppies
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:40am
There sure are a lot of do gooders out there, according to the internet. But, where are these people in real life? How many of you want every single freaking decision that you make, second-guessed in and by the public?

This man felt that he had choice between dying with his dog, or trying to save himself. Will I let myself be killed and leave my wife and child without a provider, in order to shut up the people that value their pets more than another human being? Would you? Would you really?

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- yougottabekidding
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:56am
  Ortolani called a friend who contacted the Clear Creek County Sheriff‘s Office but was told the region was too dangerous and crews don’t rescue animals.
  
  So why is the Sheriffs Dept not being charged with animal cruelty? A dept that has the skill set to do what had to be done, but did nothing. They made a decision that risking the life of one of their own for an animal was not going to happen!
  Do I think he made the right choice ?
  That is for his moral compass, and his particular skill set.
  Fear for your life and then make a decision. I know people that have been involved in an accident their fault or not they will absolutely not travel on that road or spot.
  
  Report this comment
- fdraiden
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 2:49pm
  A dog is man’s best friend, extremely loyal. The dog wouldn’t have left his master but he left his dog to die. What a putz. Kinda like you!
  
  Report this comment
- black9897
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 3:22pm
  Give me a break. Why on earth are people so quick to put animals above humans? I feel like i’m taking crazy pills!!
  
  Report this comment
Tigress1
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:39am
I took my dog on a hike once where she collapsed and refused to go on. I know how difficult it can be to carry a limp dog, especially a heavy one, much less carry one down a mountain. My situation enabled me to allow the dog to rest, then walk a few minutes, rest again, walk, rest, and so on. We finally made it to the car. I did consider abandonment ONLY to go get help, however, this is where I lose sympathy for the guy. How could he just leave his dog and not seek help???

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- devildogger
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 3:56pm
  He DID seek help, from the sherriff’s office. Comprehension is not a dirty word.
  
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- Tigress1
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 8:33pm
  @Devildogger, you are correct. Someone else’s comment about him not seeking help for 8 days stuck in my head more than the article. My bad. This changes everything. He should get the dog back.
  
  Report this comment
Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:32am
What? Was the teenager a quadriplegic or something? He couldn’t help this guy with his dog? You don’t leave a dog and if you o, once the person you are concerned for is back safely, you go back for the dog. This guy is just a lazy, uncaring, lummox. He doesn’t deserve the dog. I guarantee you that the dog would not have left him.

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Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:32am
If He had left a baby fetus on the mountain he would be labeled a brave pioneer for abortion rights.

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chips1
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:30am
The story wasn’t pointing to the choice that the owner made as much as it was about the government wanting to prosecute the owner. They can’t even prosecute the Fort Hood mass murderer because of a shaving problem or the NBP threatening voters at the polling place. The government is filled with single digit IQ liberals. I take care of my pets. I was critized for spending $136 to heal my 6 cent cat, but that’s what it takes and thats what I do. 4 horses, 12 cats, 4 dogs 2 birds and 6 fish. Had one of my birds for 32 years. That’s not counting all of the turtles that sit in the middle of the road where people just run them over. Shameful.

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- jelptex
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 2:55pm
  …agree.. (and I love my dogs, too !! )…
  
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chips1
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:09am
They wouldn’t prosecute Barak for leaving Michelle. Same thing.

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- RobbieTLHughie
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:36am
  Any sane person would discount anything you say for the rest of time because of a dumb comment like that.
  
  Report this comment
- chips1
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 12:01pm
  Bye!
  
  Report this comment
Dismayed Veteran
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:06am
The questions are not an either/or. The first questions is about rescue following the decision to abandon. The second question is the crucial question. In extremis, is the obligation to protect human life above a dog’s life? This question is complicated because another human life was at risk.

He had a clear duty to protect the teenager with him. He made the right decision once it became clear that he could not carry the dog out.

He failed to do the right thing in not mounting a rescue attempt. This failure is the true moment of abandonment.

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TommyGuns
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:04am
If the story is to be believed, then this guy should have done something to see about rescuing his dog. The call he made to a friend about it was certainly less than the bare minimum he could have done. He could have put up posters, asked other hikers for help, etc. When he took the dog along with him on the hike, he became responsible for Missy’s health and safety. All that being said, I do find it ironic that we will spend countless amounts of time, energy and resources to rescue an animal, yet we do nothing to stop Planned Parenthood from committing genocide with our tax dollars? Go figure!

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- caveman74
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:50am
  Hmm lets see..the dog couldn’t walk because of blistered feet (I have taken my dogs hiking a lot and they would still walk with split bleeding pads. Dogs are a lot tougher than humans), he “dropped” the dog further injuring the animal (probably a response to a vet asking why there was more than just paw injuries) Why would a friend call the sheriff and not him (the last time my mini doxi went missing I called the police, pound, every groomer and vet in town and canvassed all neighborhoods within walking distance and I don’t even like that yappy little nightmare (we found her by the way) If his story is right (I don’t believe it, I think he took that dog up there, hobbled it and left it) then of course humans before animals, but calling a friend does not count as trying to save a family member (the dog) that was left injured on a mountainside. Weather he is telling the truth or not I think he neglected to maintain the welfare of that animal to the best of his reasonable capabilities. Yes he should be charged in my opinion
  
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- StandingOnMyHead
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 12:40pm
  This story is real, it has been in the local news for a couple of weeks now. As for spending money on the rescue…it was done at the expense of those that went and rescued her and not paid by the government via any tax money!
  
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Joe_The_Patriot
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:03am
this guy is a jerk off…. U don’t abandon your dog!!! He made the choice to bring the dog with him in the 1st place so be responsible and get the animal home!!!! if the dogs feet were that bad then he was mistreating the animal in the fact that he was not paying attention to her while they were climbing. I would wonder if her was even taking breaks and giving the dog water? and if so he should have noticed the dog’s feet and turned around and went back to the car. This guy is a total heartless selfish douchebag!!! He obviously wasn’t prepared, didn’t check the weather conditions andhad no business on the mountain… Typical Idiot… “I’m cool, I’m gonna go mountian climbing, I’m dumb as the rock I’m standing on”
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BloodSweatandTears
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:59am
Eight days? This guy is a real dweeb. The kind that says opps -she’s rally a good thing after all. Since I’ve been flushed out, NOW i’ll do the right thing. If the face book pic was anything like the hike, he showed recklessness in taking her up there in the first place. Although the dog will forgive and forget, the dog deserves a better human. It is only time before this dog gets abused again. Although it’ll hurt the dog to lose her former lackey owner, she should be given to a (real) loving family…SInce he mentioned the 5K he’s paid, his values are showing there too. Disgusting.

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Detroit paperboy
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:57am
I got fifty bucks, says everyone of those rescuers is pro abortion…………….fifty bucks.

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- glennpatstu
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 12:03pm
  who gives a ****?
  
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- Detroit paperboy
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 1:59pm
  I do………….
  
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hauschild
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:40am
Typical, left-wing nonsense.

Yeah, animal cruelty is by all means the most important issue facing Americans. The 50% of Americans that can’t raise their kids right? Ah, well, that deserves no “charge” whatsoever, because Big Brother is slowly but surely taking the reigns of “parenting”, and I use that term oh so loosely.

What the hell is wrong with people? No one wants to see animals being abused, but for God’s sakes, put the resources used to investigate and prosecute this garbage to better use like shaming bottom feeders and slackers, and teaching them a little something about the Constitution and what is required of every American citizen.

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Godzgrl247
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:38am
I agree with Gonzo. I have taken my dog to a swimming hole on a river. I didn’t take into consideration how hot the sand would be on one of the beaches. When I saw my dog skipping and trying to get off of the hot sand, I lured her to an area off of the sand and after that, tried to avoid taking her across the beach again. I admit that, when you take a pet to places, you don’t always know what to expect. However, as much as I love my dog, I would have been more active in trying to get her home. If someone wouldn’t listen and help, I would’ve gone somewhere else. My dog is my baby and she depends on me to take care of her!

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BloodSweatandTears
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:36am
Dogs get better support then human babies lost in the womb, go figure.

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- CatB
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:11am
  I care about both … can’t you? Those who would treat an animal badly are most like those who would also abuse a child .. inside or outside the womb.
  
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- BloodSweatandTears
  Posted on September 19, 2012 at 9:52am
  @CATB See other post calling the owner a dweeb….dweeb
  
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arx
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:32am
I understand leaving the dog to get yourself to safety, but not organizing a rescue?

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- sheepish
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:47am
  Agree with this. I don’t blame him for leaving her if he needed to save himself and another human being, but I don’t understand how he wouldn’t come off the mountain and, some time over the next 8 days, say, “Hey, can somebody help me look for my dog?”
  
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- CatB
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:08am
  He abandoned the dog .. why should there be any question about the dog … he lost ownership when he abandoned and did not try to get it resuced . I would have been out of my mind and getting my dog .. .from minute one!
  
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- woodyee
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:37am
  Yep. I agree with the conclusion that he abandoned the dog. Leaving the dog behind was understandable, but abandoning him was pretty bad. Semper Fidelis.
  
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floridareader
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:31am
There were two people and an injured dog. Why one of them didn’t go and look for help while the other stays with the dog?
That is what other German shepherd did some time ago for her owner. He not only stayed by her side but also went on looking for help.
http://psychowyco.com/DogRescuer.pdf

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BOMUSTGO
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:24am
At least he didn’t eat the dog.

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- 4xeverything
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:04am
  ha ha ha
  
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woodyee
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:23am
I didn’t vote.

But I’d like to ask the ones posting derisive comments against the dog owner, what they think of climbers who leave HUMAN friends/acquaintances behind on Everest?

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- ApostolicIlx
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:35am
  If you are the lead climber, and you take an unfit person on a climb and leave them behind, you’re charged with their death. Sure it’s manslaughter. Not going to make any difference though. Bottom line, as I’ve always told my kids, “People are idiots, try not to be one of them.” LOL
  
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- shephound
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:38am
  Humans can go their of their own volition and understand the dangers involved.
  
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- KeithOlberdink
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:47am
  Depends, is the friend a liberal? An obama supporter? hmm… I think I know what I’m doing this weekend with some lib acquaintances…oops, never mind.
  
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biohazard23
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:20am
Poor dog.

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Gonzo
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:19am
My question isn’t why didn’t you bring her back, my question is why did you bring her along to start with?

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- lordjosh
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:34am
  We don’t know the history. dogs are fine for these activities if the do it often a stay in shape. Accidents happen.
  
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- floridareader
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:47am
  @lord
  Yes accidents happened. But why leave the dog abandoned. That is the question. For a man that says he loves his dog, I cannot imagine what he would do for another family member in trouble.
  
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- Zipit
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:39am
  LORDJOSH! Don’t know, the dogs history, but do know the area and the climb. Gonzo’s right! Poor decision to take the dog up a rocky “fourteener”!!!
  
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- StandingOnMyHead
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:54am
  Gonzo is correct: 14ers are serious business, I know because I myself have done 14 and my husband has completed 36. You should never strike out on one of these, especially the Sawtooth area, before doing your complete homework. That includes which companion you will take to accompany you, human or canine and weather conditions should always be a part of the equation too. We also have two dogs that live for mountaineering with us, but only if we know there are no dangers for them. (That’s why my husband has accomplished more, I stayed home with the youngest until we knew she was physically ready for the challenge or because the hike was just too dangerous for either.) Humans know their limitations, a canine companion on the other hand will go to all limits for their masters.
  
  On either side of the Sawtooth area, where this hike took place, are two of the most popular areas for hikers and sightseers (The top of Mt Evans can be reached by vehicle). This guy should have had no problem letting people around him know that he ran into trouble and needed help once the weather cleared or organize a rescue for the following day. Mountain climbers are extraordinarily generous people and have no problem helping in time of need! This man is a poor excuse of a dog owner!!
  
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- iig
  Posted on September 18, 2012 at 4:11pm
  Gonzo and Standingonmyhead are absolutely correct. Just to give Ortalani a benefit of the doubt I don’t think he deserves just to be overly fair, it is the fact that he did nearly nothing to *go back* to at least confirm his dog was in fact dead. If going up the mountain was good enough for him to do for fun, then certainly going back up, or arranging for someone to act on his behalf, should have occurred to him to do for the sake of his faithful companion. If the 14ers could get a rescue party together, so could he. All that dog ever gave him was unconditional love. Wasn’t that worth something to him? I guarantee that dog would not have held his cowardice and apathy against him, because dogs love us to a fault. I’m glad the dog is going to be with his rescuer and not his abandoner. Ortolani deserves to be convicted of animal cruelty, his excuses are merely that.
  
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