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

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

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

A days-long seek of the treacherous and steep western facet of the mountain between the place Moore’s automotive was once parked and the height was once unsuccessful, stated Delinda VanneBrightyn with Taos Search and Rescue, whose seek dog joined the hassle. From the start line, the hike to Blackhead Peak beneficial properties 2,150 ft (650 meters) in elevation.

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

A restoration workforce was once flown in the following day. Finney was once taken to a veterinarian for a checkup and remedy and is now with Moore’s circle of relatives, the sheriff’s place of business stated.

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

The hunter found Moore’s body about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) east of the peak, further away from his car, VanneBrightyn said.

Moore, who was an experienced hiker, died of hypothermia, Archuleta County Coroner Brad Hunt said. Hypothermia can cause people to become disoriented and confused.

But tiny Finney somehow survived, likely by hunting small animals such as mice while also managing to avoid predators like mountain lions, coyotes and bears, VanneBrightyn said.

“If that dog could talk it would be an amazing story,” she stated. (*10*)

“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 stated.