Saving Anakin: A 24-Hour Rescue Mission in the Snow
Anakin was exploring the mountains when he fell into a ravine. Here's how a team of rescuers found him, with a little help from Tractive GPS.
When adventure meets the unexpected, being prepared can make all the difference. For Anakin, a three-and-a-half-year-old white Husky-Akita mix, a routine outing turned into a life-threatening situation — but thanks to Tractive, his story has a happy ending.
Always know your buddy is healthy & safe
Read moreA fall into danger
On a Saturday afternoon, Anakin was exploring the mountains with his human, Stefano, when disaster struck — he slipped and fell into a ravine. As the sun set and temperatures dropped, it became clear that an immediate rescue wouldn’t be possible. The rescuers initially tried to reach him on foot, but the terrain and darkness forced them to postpone their efforts until morning.
Tracking through the night
For Anakin’s dog mom, Giselda, the hours that followed were filled with fear and worry. But Tractive provided a new hope. Through the Tractive GPS app, Stefano was able to pinpoint Anakin’s exact location the moment he fell.
Though leaving him overnight was heartbreaking, the couple could monitor his every move remotely.
Giselda shares,
“I even set up a virtual fence with notifications, so I’d be alerted if he moved. That gave me some peace of mind knowing he was still in the same spot.”
A high-stakes helicopter rescue
By morning, it was clear that a land-based rescue was impossible. The team called in a helicopter to lift Anakin out of danger. When the rescue crew needed Anakin’s exact location, Giselda and Stefano simply shared it via the Tractive app — ensuring a quick and precise response.
After more than 24 hours in the snow, Anakin was airlifted to safety. Despite the harsh conditions, he remained calm and still, patiently waiting for help. When he landed, the vet confirmed he was unharmed — a true miracle.
A test of endurance — for dog and device
Amazingly, Anakin’s Tractive tracker not only endured the extreme cold and snow but still had 50% battery left when he returned home. It remained reliable throughout the entire ordeal, proving once again that Tractive isn’t just a tool for everyday tracking — it’s a lifesaver in emergencies.
Lessons from a close call
Reflecting on the experience, Giselda emphasized how Tractive played a crucial role in ensuring Anakin’s safety:
“Unfortunately, accidents like this can happen. But tools like Tractive help ensure that a misadventure doesn’t turn into a tragedy.”
Anakin’s story is a testament to the power of preparation and technology. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, exploring new trails, or simply enjoying everyday adventures, Tractive is there to keep your pet safe — no matter what.
We’re incredibly grateful that Anakin made it home unharmed and that Tractive could play a part in his rescue. Here’s to many more safe adventures ahead — may the paws be with you!
Follow your dog anywhere
Get real-time location information, wherever they go. And find out when they try to make an escape, or just when they go somewhere they shouldn’t, with Virtual Fences.
🐶 Got your own Tractive rescue story to share? Then drop us a kind word on Trustpilot or get in touch with us over Facebook or Instagram. Stay connected and discover a growing family of loving, responsible dog parents – just like you!
Read Anakin’s story as shared with La Repubblica (in Italian) here: Trovato vivo il cane Anakin disperso sul Monte Velino. Il difficile salvataggio con l’elicottero
