A tiny Jack Russell terrier survived in the Colorado mountains for more than 10 weeks after her owner died of hypothermia, despite losing half her body weight, a rescuer said.
Richard Moore, of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and his 5kg dog Finney had set out to climb Blackhead Peak east of the town, but never returned home, the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office said.
A days-long search of the treacherous and steep western side of the mountain between where Moore’s car was parked and the peak was unsuccessful, said Delinda VanneBrightyn with Taos Search and Rescue, whose search dog joined the effort. From the starting point, the hike to Blackhead Peak gains 650m in elevation.
When a hunter came upon the 71-year-old’s body in the San Juan Mountains on October 30, Finney was still there with him, despite being down to just 2.7kg, VanneBrightyn said.
A recovery crew was flown in the next day. Finney was taken to a veterinarian for a checkup and treatment and is now with Moore’s family, the sheriff’s office said.