A dog who survived more than 10 weeks by her owner who died of hypothermia while hiking in the Colorado mountains has regained weight and is back on the trails.
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’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 2,150 feet (650 meters) in elevation.
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Faithful dog survives 10 weeks, stays with owner who died in Colorado mountains
When a hunter came upon the 71-year-old's body in the San Juan Mountains on Oct. 30, Finney was still there with him, despite being down to just 6 pounds, VanneBrightyn said. A recovery crew was flown in the next day. Finney was taken to a veterinarian for a checkup and treatment.
Moore's wife, Dana Holby, told The Associated Press that Finney has gained most of her weight back and is able to go on hikes of up to 4 or 5 miles a day.
