Faithful dog survives 10 weeks, stays with owner who died of hypothermia in Colorado mountains

A tiny Jack Russell terrier survived in the Colorado mountains for greater than 10 weeks after her owner died of hypothermia, regardless of shedding part her frame weight, a rescuer mentioned.

Richard Moore of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and his 12-pound dog Finney had got down to climb Blackhead Peak east of the city on Aug. 19, however by no means returned house, the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office mentioned.

A days-long seek of the treacherous and steep western aspect of the mountain between the place Moore’s automobile used to be parked and the height used to be unsuccessful, mentioned Delinda VanneBrightyn with Taos Search and Rescue, whose seek dog joined the hassle. From the start line, the hike to Blackhead Peak features 2,150 toes in elevation.

When a hunter found out the 71-year-old’s frame in the San Juan Mountains on Oct. 30, Finney used to be nonetheless there with him, regardless of being down to only 6 kilos, VanneBrightyn mentioned Tuesday.

A restoration staff used to be flown in the next day to come. Finney used to be taken to a veterinarian for a checkup and remedy and is now with Moore’s circle of relatives, the sheriff’s place of job mentioned.

Finney’s “magnificent story of survival” is a testomony to her willpower and loyalty to Moore, mentioned VanneBrightyn, who has skilled canine for twenty years. “Jack Russells are pretty fierce, I have to say, they’re tough little dogs.”

The hunter discovered Moore’s frame about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) east of the height, additional clear of his automobile, VanneBrightyn mentioned.

Moore, who used to be an skilled hiker, died of hypothermia, Archuleta County Coroner Brad Hunt mentioned. Hypothermia could cause other folks to turn into disoriented and puzzled.

But tiny Finney one way or the other survived, most likely by way of looking small animals comparable to mice whilst additionally managing to keep away from predators like mountain lions, coyotes and bears, VanneBrightyn mentioned.

“If that dog could talk it would be an amazing story,” she mentioned. “We probably could not even believe the story the dog would tell.”

“We are very glad … that Finney was returned to the family because they have lost their loved one, but they still have this wonderful, loyal dog,” VanneBrightyn mentioned.