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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 12-pound dog Finney had set out to climb Blackhead Peak east of the town on Aug. 19, but never returned home, the Archuleta County Sheriff鈥檚 Office said.
A days-long search of the treacherous and steep western side of the mountain between where Moore鈥檚 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 2,150 feet (650 meters) in elevation.
When a hunter came upon the 71-year-old鈥檚 body in the San Juan Mountains on Oct. 30, Finney was still there with him, despite being down to just 6 pounds, VanneBrightyn said Tuesday.
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鈥檚 family, the sheriff鈥檚 office said.
Finney鈥檚 鈥渕agnificent story of survival鈥� is a testament to her dedication and loyalty to Moore, said VanneBrightyn, who has trained dogs for two decades. 鈥淛ack Russells are pretty fierce, I have to say, they鈥檙e tough little dogs.鈥�
The hunter found Moore鈥檚 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.
鈥淚f that dog could talk it would be an amazing story,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e probably could not even believe the story the dog would tell.鈥�
鈥淲e are very glad 鈥� that Finney was returned to the family because they have lost their loved one, but they still have this wonderful, loyal dog,鈥� VanneBrightyn said.
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