A Colorado man’s relentless search for his lost dog took an unexpected turn when he discovered his furry friend much closer than he imagined. The heartwarming story highlights the powerful bond between pet and owner, and the lengths people will go to for their loved ones, even the four-legged kind.
The tale began when the dog, a Bernese/Labrador retriever mix, named Pepper, went missing from his home in Colorado on February 22. Frantic with worry, the family launched a full-scale search. They plastered posters around the neighborhood with Pepper’s picture, contacted local shelters and rescue organizations, and tirelessly scoured the streets, calling out his dog’s name.
Days turned into a week, and hope began to dwindle. Yet, his family refused to give up. He enlisted the help of friends and family, combed through social media posts, and even considered hiring a pet detective. His dedication and love for his canine companion were evident in his unwavering efforts.
The family had also contacted Summit Lost Pet Rescue for help:
… We sent them our standard search protocols- put out a scent station on their front porch (owner’s dirty clothes and dog bed), set up cameras, made social media posts to spread awareness, hung neon signs in the neighborhood, and boots on the ground search. Flyers were also made and handed out to the neighbors for them to check their garages, decks, tree wells, any place that she could be stuck. The snow is VERY deep down in Blue River with very high snowbanks. Since there were zero sightings of her, we assumed that she was either stuck someplace nearby or got picked up and left Blue River. We did expand the search down nearby trails however it was more probable that she was stuck in the snow, so the family and our volunteers spent a lot of time snowshoeing and searching in places she could be stuck.
Summit Lost Pet Rescue
It had been by chance that Pepper was found. After ten days, a volunteer and his dog returned to the creek, and in a moment that defied all odds, the incredible happened. Pepper had been trapped in a narrow section of the creek which had been surrounded by snowdrifts and trees. It had been the dog’s tag shining on her collar that attracted her rescuer.
Pepper’s owner was notified; rescuers did calming techniques and snowshoed/post-holed in the deep creek, and it took three of them to get her out. Pepper had been stuck 714 feet from her house, but she was finally safe.
Overjoyed and relieved, her owner scooped up his lost pup in a tight embrace. Relief washed over him as he realized Pepper was back home.
This heartwarming story serves as a reminder that hope should never be abandoned, especially when it comes to our beloved pets. It also highlights the importance of checking every nook and cranny during a search, as sometimes the answer can be closer than we think.
For more rescue stories, to donate to their cause, and tips on what to do if your pet goes missing, please check out the website for lostpetrescue.org.
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook for the latest animal related news.
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