Joanne Lefson found "Rupee" abandoned, starved and dehydrated in an area of the Himalayan Mountains in northern India.
"This little pup came charging towards me," said Lefson.
She nursed the dog back to health and took him on her travels.
Rupee accompanied Lefson on her recent ascent up the world's tallest mountain, becoming the first dog on record to do so.
Lefson said Rupee has become a "superdog," leading the way on most of their climbing days.
