Eleven months ago, hope seemed frozen for Ullr, a brave dog caught in a treacherous avalanche near Mount Maroon, Colorado. His owner, Jacob Dalbey, was swept away too and left seriously injured, His friend was killed in the accident. Dalbey had been carried 2,500 feet and fully buried with only one arm sticking out. He was able to clear his face in order to breathe; it took him three hours to dig himself out.
But like a wildflower pushing through snow, hope has rebloomed. A blurry image on a wildlife camera, a flicker of recognition in Jacobs eyes – Ullr is alive!
After 341 days, 11 months to the day of setting up trail cameras/food and moving them around in hopes of luring Ullr into one to finally get some confirmation of what I have known all along, it has happened.
Dalbey GoFundMe
According to the GoFundMe account set up to find Ullr, it has been eleven long months since Ullr disappeared, but Jacob refused to give up. Sightings, blurry phone snaps, whispers of a lone dog matching Ullr’s description kept the embers of hope alive. Fueled by love and donations, Jake hired a specialist canine tracking team. They set traps, baited with love and familiarity; Ullr’s favorite kibble, the scent of Jake’s worn jacket. Days turned into weeks, with nothing but the mountain’s silence responding.
Then, on a crisp February morning, a miracle unfolded. Camera 2, nestled deep in the wilderness, captured an image. A scruffy blur, ribs showing, but unmistakable; Ullr, staring back with eyes that mirrored Jacob’s own longing. The grainy photo sent shockwaves through the community. It wasn’t just a dog; it was a symbol of resilience, a testament to the unbreakable bond between man and his best friend.
The internet erupted. News channels scrambled, social media buzzed with the hashtag #BringUllrHome. The avalanche that stole loved ones had, in a strange twist, given back a beacon of hope. Strangers rallied, offering expertise, equipment, and unwavering support.
A plan was hatched, as delicate as a snowflake, to safely capture the wary survivor. Until then, Jacob continues to ask anyone in the area to keep reporting pawprints, barking or sightings of the dog.
The reunion, when it happens, will be a sight for the world to see. Tears of joy mingling with mountain snow, the silent language of love spoken between a man and his dog, defying the odds against an impossible backdrop.
Ullr looks really really good, especially for surviving an avalanche and for being on his own for almost a year. He is in an area that we have known or expected. The calls from helpful folks who were calm enough to contact me and send GPS locations, without being tempted to push Ullr away by yelling, following, or searching for him.
GoFundMe
Ullr’s story is more than just a heartwarming tale. It’s a testament to the unwavering human spirit, the power of community, and the unyielding love that transcends even the harshest landscapes. It’s a reminder that even in the face of despair, hope, like a stubborn wildflower, can find a way to bloom.
So, follow Ullr’s journey. Share his story. Because it’s not just about one dog; it’s about the resilience of life, the power of hope, and the extraordinary bond that connects us all. Let Ullr’s homecoming be a beacon, reminding us that even in the darkest valleys, miracles can bloom.
Read previous coverage of this amazing story here.
Remember the hashtags:#BringUllrHome #MiracleAtMountMaroon #HopeNeverDies
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