Dog Found Alive Next To His Owner’s Body Months After They Went Missing In Colorado Mountains

Dogs are the definition of loyal and will never leave a member of their pack behind. A faithful and resilient Jack Russell terrier is being called a “hero” for never leaving his dad’s side, even after he passed away.

71-year-old Richard Moore of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, set out to climb Blackhead Peak with his Jack Russell terrier named Finney.

When they didn’t return, family reported them missing on August 19. Multiple rescue teams searched the area for nearly 2,000 hours around Blackhead Peak on foot and by air, but to no avail.

Months later on October 30, a hunter discovered Moore’s body and found Finney alive and at his side in the Lower Blanco drainage basin.

Hiker Rich Moore, 71, missing for three months is found dead in Colorado with his white Jack Russell dog still alive next to his body | Daily Mail Online https://t.co/94KfrfKmgX

— CHSeaton (@COSseaton) November 14, 2023

Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and arranged to fly to the area and retrieve the body. 9News in Colorado shared, “On Tuesday, Oct. 31, sheriff’s office personnel as well as members of the Upper San Juan Search and Rescue were flown to the designated landing zone by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, they then located the body and positively identified him as Moore. The sheriff’s office said Moore was recovered by the team and flown off the mountain.”

The loyal pup was also rescued and brought to a local animal hospital to be examined. Finney has since been reunited with his family.

Taos Search and Rescue (TSAR) member, Delinda Vanne-Brightyn, and her certified K9 AkioYodasan were part of the initial search party. She said, “We searched from just under the peak-top and directly West, searching down the mountain toward where his car was located. Winds were directly from the West/Soutwest. It was so steep, we were inserted in by a helicopter. He was found 2.5 miles East of the mountain-top beneath where we were inserted.”

Delinda and the entire TSAR team sends their condolences to the family and wrote, “(we) are glad they were able to gain some closure as well as bring their dog back home.”

CNN reports that, ‘Moore died of “exposure/hypothermia,” according to Archuleta County Coroner Bradley Hunt.’

Finney is believed to have survived by eating small rodents and drinking from a nearby stream. His loyalty has touched the hearts of people around the world, and he is rightfully being called a “hero”.