I hardly know where to start for this one...
The dog owner felt responsible for a younger hiker, yet took along another helpless being. He brought no gear for that helpless creature, apparently neither food and water containers, nor booties to protect her feet.
OK, so it’s time to get the younger hiker down from the mountain and he doubts his ability to take the wounded dog down too. So why not return the next day with gear to do that?
The unfeeling jerk left her to die a painful death. With that kind of stewardship, he is not to expect Missy’s return.
Far as criminal charges, I do think the callous bugger can use the lesson, but the right thing is to ensure he repays every penny he’s cost to recover Missy’s health. Fines and fees to the “justice system” don’t make it right.
If the Washburns or any other of the mntn rescue group want to give her a home, they’ve paid already with their sweat and time, and she can’t have found a better home.
Just to pass along the information, the “younger hiker” was 19.