When a dog goes missing, the situation can be distressing. However, there is always hope, as some missing pets are eventually found months later.
Such was the case for a lost dog who was discovered in a rather unexpected location. This dog, named Russ, had been missing since August. According to CBS Sacramento, Russ’ owner, a traveling nurse working in the Tahoe area, lost Russ when he ran away from the vehicle. Unfortunately, the owner had to evacuate the area due to a fire and couldn’t find the missing dog.
“Russ was believed to be lost forever,” as reported by Tahoe PAWS.
Several months later, Russ was discovered in a dramatic situation.
On December 16, Wendy Jones, the director of Tahoe PAWS, received a distressing message about a dog trapped in the snow and unable to move. The dog was inaccessible due to the deep snow and steep terrain.
Despite the challenging conditions, a rescue team was quickly organized and dispatched to save the dog in peril.
Tahoe PAWS mentioned, “Wendy called in the help of the organization TLC 4 Furry Friends & Tahoe PAWS volunteers, who equipped themselves with snowshoes, dog rescue gear, and a sled from Officer Shumaker. The dog was tracked on a mountain and eventually found lifeless under a tree.”
Fortunately, the dog was alive, much to the joy of the volunteers when they saw him open his eyes.
One of the volunteers, Leona Allen, described the intense moment of finding the dog: “I followed the tracks and suddenly saw a dark shape under the tree and thought ‘this is not good, he’s not moving’ and really started to get nervous and upset. And then he opened his eyes, and I’m pretty sure I screamed.”
Wendy Jones noted, “Dogs are strong and smart. They can survive for a very long time. We didn’t know what this dog’s situation was or how long he had been there.”
The team carefully transported the dog on a sled while ensuring he stayed warm. Slowly, they made their way back to safety through the challenging snowy terrain.
After a vet examination, it was confirmed through a microchip that the rescued dog was indeed Russ, missing for months.
Russ and his owner were joyfully reunited. Tahoe PAWS shared, “The owner was ecstatic when he found out his dog was still alive.”
This unexpected reunion was a result of a courageous and dramatic rescue mission, perfectly timed for the holiday season.
Volunteer Elsa Gaule expressed, “It’s so heartwarming, especially around the holidays and the end of the year. And then to have this really happy ending and to be part of that was pretty special,” in an interview with CBS.
For the rescuers, this experience will be a lasting memory.
Leona Allen shared her thoughts with the San Francisco Chronicle, stating, “We’re a rescue organization… so this is what we’re supposed to do. I’ve experienced many difficult rescues, but this was probably the best one.”
She added, “I keep reliving the moment he opened his eyes and lifted his head, and the joy and happiness in me was overwhelming. It’s another life that can now live happily, warm, and safe.”
We are thrilled that this dog was rescued and reunited with his owner. Kudos to the dedicated team of rescuers for their bravery in saving this dog’s life!
We appreciate you sharing this heartwarming story!
