A day of adventure on Britain's highest mountain turned into a race against time after a black Labrador suddenly collapsed on the slopes of Ben Nevis. The dog was later rescued by mountain rescuers, with vets suspecting she had become critically ill after ingesting discarded cannabis left on the trail. Christina Bluhme, a dog trainer from Esher, Surrey, was halfway up the 4,413ft (1,345m) mountain when her Labrador, Tokyo, unexpectedly lost the use of her legs. Moments later, the normally energetic working dog began drifting in and out of consciousness, leaving her owner fearing the worst. "I genuinely thought I was going to lose her," Bluhme said after the dramatic rescue. Unable to carry her 25kg Labrador down the mountain alone, Bluhme called for help. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team responded and carefully transported Tokyo by stretcher down Ben Nevis before taking her to a veterinary practice in Fort William for emergency treatment. According to Bluhme, Tokyo remained unconscious for most of the descent. She said the professionalism and calmness of the rescue volunteers made all the difference during what she described as one of the most frightening experiences of her life. "Without the incredible Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, there is simply no way I could have got her safely off the mountain," she said. "Carrying a 25kg Labrador down Ben Nevis was impossible on my own. Their kindness, professionalism and calm support meant everything during one of the most frightening days I've ever experienced." Thankfully, the ordeal ended with good news. Following treatment by the local veterinary team, Tokyo made a full recovery after the incident, which happened during a trip to Scotland last weekend. Bluhme said vets believe the Labrador had ingested cannabis discarded somewhere along the walking route. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, she said the suspected cause came as a complete shock. Reflecting on the incident, she said she felt "incredibly lucky" that Tokyo survived and thanked both the mountain rescue volunteers and veterinary staff for their compassion and dedication throughout the emergency. She also used the experience to issue a warning to other dog owners planning countryside walks. "A little reminder to fellow dog owners – please be aware that discarded drugs and other toxic substances can sometimes be found even in the most beautiful outdoor places," she said. "It was something I never imagined we would encounter." Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team later confirmed they were delighted to hear Tokyo had fully recovered. The team also praised the veterinary staff at Crown Vets in Fort William for their support during the emergency. In a statement, a spokesperson said it was now suspected that Tokyo, normally a very fit and active working dog, had ingested something that left her critically unwell. The rescue team thanked Crown Vets for their assistance and also thanked Bluhme for providing an update and photographs after Tokyo's recovery. The dramatic rescue serves as a reminder that even popular beauty spots can present unexpected dangers. For Bluhme, what began as a mountain walk quickly became a desperate fight to save her beloved companion—but thanks to the swift actions of rescuers and veterinary staff, Tokyo is now back to full health. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn940xd1g1zo
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