A large golden retriever that was suddenly and mysteriously unable to walk was rescued from the woods April 14 by a group of Camden firefighters and Camden police.

Rogue had been on an evening walk approximately one-quarter mile from his home off of High Street in Camden, when he sat down in the middle of the woods trail with a seemingly paralyzed leg.

His owner called for help, and a neighbor responded. But Rogue weighs approximately 90 pounds, too much to lift by two people and be carried over roots and through mud. They called for Camden's animal control officer, and two Camden police responded. 

Meanwhile darkness had settled in, and Camden PD called for assistance from the fire department. Firefighters arrived with flashlights and a Stokes basket, almost perfectly sized to transport a robust retriever.

Rogue was rolled quickly from the cold ground onto a carrying blanket and lifted into the basket. Before he had a chance to be startled, and distracted by a steady stream of treats, he was lifted and transported like a prince out of the woods and into the back of an SUV. From there, he went to the animal hospital to determine exactly why he was immobilized.

"This is the first time we can recall carrying an injured dog out of the woods, but none of the firefighters/EMTs hesitated to assist when the owners and Camden PD requested help," said Camden Fire Chief Chris Farley. "We wish Rogue a healthy recovery from his injury."