Solo hiking in remote wilderness always carries risks, even for experienced adventurers. For Amelia Milling, a 21-year-old deaf hiker, a three-day solo hike in Alaska turned into a life-threatening ordeal — and an extraordinary rescue story involving an unexpected four-legged companion.
A Solo Hike Takes a Dangerous Turn
Amelia Milling enjoys challenging herself through outdoor adventures. While many people her age choose conventional vacations, she opted for a demanding solo hike across mountainous terrain in Alaska.
During her ascent, Amelia lost her footing on a snow-covered slope and fell more than 300 feet before colliding with a boulder. She then slid an additional 300 feet down the mountainside. Despite the severity of the fall, she miraculously avoided broken bones and remained mobile.
However, the situation was far from safe. The fall left her disoriented and unsure of her location, stranded in freezing conditions with no clear route back to the trail.
Lost, Cold, and Alone
After more than 24 hours exposed to the elements, Amelia realized she was in serious danger. Temperatures dropped, exhaustion set in, and her unfamiliar surroundings made self-rescue nearly impossible.
That’s when she noticed a white animal in the distance — initially believing it to be a wolf. As it approached, she saw a collar around its neck.
The animal was a husky named Nanook, a trained trail guide dog known for helping locate and assist lost hikers in the area.
A Canine Guide Steps In
Nanook stayed with Amelia throughout the night, offering companionship and protection. The following day, he helped guide her back toward safer terrain. At one point, Amelia attempted to cross a river, but the strong current pulled her underwater.
Nanook reacted immediately — jumping in, grabbing the strap of her backpack, and pulling her to safety from the icy water.
With Nanook’s help, Amelia was able to conserve energy and regain enough stability to activate her GPS emergency transmitter.
Rescue and Safe Return
The GPS signal was detected by local rescue services, who dispatched a helicopter to her location. Alaska State Troopers successfully airlifted Amelia to safety, with Nanook remaining close by until help arrived.
Although she was treated and returned home safely, Amelia later said that Nanook was the true hero of the experience.
“The dog was a real help,” said Police Chief Eric Olsen, describing Nanook as “Alaska’s version of Lassie.”
A History of Heroism
Nanook’s owners were later notified of his actions and were surprised by how far he had traveled — though they admitted this wasn’t the first time he had helped save someone. In a previous incident, Nanook reportedly assisted a young girl who was caught in a strong river current.
Watch this video to see Amelia reunite with Nanook and to hear her tell the story:
His actions once again highlighted the critical role trained animals can play in wilderness safety and rescue operations.
Why Wilderness Safety and Rescue Stories Matter
Incidents like this underline the importance of preparation, emergency communication tools, and professional rescue infrastructure when exploring remote environments. As outdoor recreation grows in popularity, so does the need for reliable safety planning, navigation awareness, and rescue readiness. Stories of real-world survival not only raise awareness about outdoor risks but also highlight the value of trained rescue services, emergency response systems, and working animals in saving lives.
Our four-legged friends truly are man’s best friend. Share if you agree!
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