A Jack Russell terrier dog kept watch over his master’s body for ten weeks after he died on a mountain trail. The animal lost half of its body weight, but managed to survive on its own in difficult mountain conditions. – If he could talk, he would have an amazing story to tell – emphasized a rescuer who took part in the search operation, quoted by CBS News.
The body of 71-year-old Rich Moore, who was missing for over two months near the Blackhead Peak trail in Colorado, On October 30, it was found by a local hunter. The body was located over 3 kilometers from the peak and “much further” from the deceased’s car. A day later, Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office officers arrived at the scene and identified and secured the body.
The dog was keeping watch over the master’s body
The services that brought the body of the 71-year-old man off the trail also took his Jack Russell terrier dog. A female dog named Finney was constantly watching over her master. She was nearby when the hunter found his body and when the services arrived. Delinda VanneBrightyn from the local rescue team told CBS News that the dog weighed less than 3 kilograms when found. The normal weight of a female dog of this breed is approximately 5-6 kg.
VanneBrightyn, quoted by the website, emphasized that Finney’s “wonderful survival story” is proof of her loyalty to Moore. – I must admit that Jack Russell terriers are quite fierce. It’s a small but tough breed, explained the rescuer, who trained dogs herself in the past.
Finney kept watch over the owner’s body for two monthsFacebook / Chantel Hammer
How did the dog survive in the mountains?
Rescuers admit that it is still not entirely clear how Finney herself survived ten weeks in the mountains. They suspect that the dog fed by hunting small animals, such as mice, while avoiding large mountain predators such as pumas, bears and coyotes. – If this dog could talk, he would have an amazing story to tell. We probably couldn’t believe what he would say, VanneBrightyn told CBS News.
The website reports that Finney has already undergone veterinary examinations and is currently under the care of Moore’s relatives. – I’m very happy that she is back with her family. Its members lost a loved one, but they still have their wonderful, loyal dog – noted the rescuer.
Local coroner Brad Hunt announced that the cause of death of the 71-year-old climber was hypothermia, which can lead to impaired consciousness and orientation in the field. Investigators do not suspect that a crime was committed and that third parties were involved in Moore’s death.
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Main photo source: Chantel Hammer