Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/lost-dog-caldor-fire-rescued/

Miracles happen every day…

TLC 4 Furry Friends & Tahoe PAWS, an animal search and rescue organization, shared a heartwarming rescue story that reminds dog parents of the importance of microchips and proves you should never give up hope.

A pit bull mix named Russ went missing in late August near Lake Tahoe, California. The dog was scared off by something and escaped from his owner.

The concerned dog dad searched for Russ and contacted Animal Services to report him missing, but was forced to evacuate the area due to the Caldor Fire.

The Caldor Fire scorched 221,775 acres and thousands were forced to leave the area.

“It was assumed that Russ had been lost for good,” TLC 4 Furry Friends wrote on Facebook.

But the dog managed to survive on his own for nearly four months.

He was spotted in the snow by a backcountry hiker on December 16, but was unable to move and growled at anyone who approached.

Animal control was contacted but was unable to make the journey through the five-foot-deep snow, so Wendy Jones, director of TLC 4 Furry Friends, and volunteers stepped up to help.

The rescue team made the strenuous journey up the steep mountain in hopes of saving the lost dog. They finally found him resting under a tree and at first were unsure if he was still alive.

But then he opened his eyes and lifted his head.

Leona Allen, one of the rescuers and an experienced animal tracker, told the San Francisco Chronicle, “I keep reliving the moment when he opened his eyes and lifted his head, and just the joy and elation inside of me was overwhelming. It’s one more life that gets to live happy and warm and safe.”

After earning his trust, they placed him on a sled wrapped in blankets and made their way carefully down the mountain.

“They were able to place him on the sled – on top of a volunteer so he was kept warm and calm. Since it was dark, the trek down the mountain was slow and methodical,” posted the rescue.

Russ was taken to a veterinarian to be examined and scanned for a microchip, which he had. His dad, who lives in Riverside County, was ecstatic when he found out his pal was alive and well. Volunteers continued to visit Russ until he was reunited with his dad.

Thankfully this story had a happy ending. The search and rescue team urges all pet owners to have their pets microchipped and to keep the information updated.

People were brought to tears after reading the touching rescue story. One person commented, “Never give up…look how amazing and resilient animals can be.”

The rescuers were praised for risking their safety to save the lost pup. A follower wrote, “Oh my gosh … I’m crying right now !!! Wendy – thank you so much for going to get him !!! So happy he is home , poor thing , what he must have been thru !😢 The fire, snow and other wild animals , poor thing ! It just goes to show that it takes a village of loving people! 🤗I can’t thank you enough for going out!”

Follow TLC 4 Furry Friends on Facebook to see more amazing rescue stories and how you can help.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog