In a remarkable twist of fate, a solo hiker’s decision to venture off-trail led to the rescue of a dog who had been missing for over a month. This extraordinary tale of survival and hope unfolded in Summit County, Colorado, where against all odds, a weakened sheltie was discovered and returned to his worried owner.
Unexpected discovery on a mountain trail
During mid-May 2023, Zachary Hackett was concluding his solitary hike in the mountains of Summit County when something unusual caught his attention. As dusk approached and Hackett prepared to descend, a faint sound emerged from behind some fallen trees.
“I heard a slight ‘yip,'” Hackett recalled of the moment that would change everything. Following the sound, he discovered a severely weakened dog trembling behind a tree. The emaciated canine could barely lift its head, showing clear signs of prolonged starvation and dehydration.
Approaching with gentle words and slow movements, Hackett realized the gravity of the situation. “The closer I got, the more I realized how weak he was,” he explained. “His demeanor was, ‘Please, I need help.’ I could feel it.”
Without hesitation, Hackett wrapped the dog in his windbreaker and began the arduous journey down the mountain, a descent that would take approximately two hours.
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Five-week search for a beloved companion
What Hackett didn’t know during his rescue mission was that he had found Riley, an 8-year-old sheltie who had been missing for five weeks. Riley had escaped from his home after a spring snowstorm damaged the fence in his backyard.
Mike Krugman, Riley’s devastated owner, had immediately contacted Summit Lost Pet Rescue (SLPR) after discovering his companion’s disappearance. The search efforts were extensive and methodical, including:
- Ground searches across Krugman’s 36-acre property
- Drone surveillance to cover difficult terrain
- Social media campaigns throughout Summit County
- Strategic placement of “scent stations” using the owner’s belongings
- Posted signs throughout nearby neighborhoods and trails
Despite these tireless efforts spanning over a month, Riley remained lost—somehow having wandered up the nearby mountain where survival became increasingly challenging.
Miraculous rescue and emotional reunion
After descending the mountain, Hackett provided immediate care for the struggling dog. He bathed Riley and offered water, which the dehydrated animal consumed very slowly. Despite hours of attentive care, Riley’s condition remained concerning, prompting Hackett to bring him to the Summit County Animal Shelter the following morning.
At the shelter, Animal Control Officer Catherine Adair instantly recognized Riley as the missing dog they had been searching for. “I couldn’t believe it was the same dog we had been looking for for over five weeks,” Adair recounted. “Riley was wrapped in a blanket and clearly exhausted.”
| Riley’s Condition | Before Disappearance | When Found |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 24 pounds | 12 pounds |
| Health Status | Healthy | Severe dehydration, extreme weakness |
| Mobility | Normal | Unable to stand without assistance |
When Adair called Krugman with the miraculous news, his response was immediate: “You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m on my way.” The reunion was profoundly emotional, with Riley too weak to move but still finding strength to lick his owner’s face.
Krugman rushed Riley to Breckenridge Animal Clinic, where veterinarians addressed his dangerously high potassium levels and administered vital fluids. The weight loss was shocking—nearly half of Riley’s body mass had disappeared during his five-week ordeal in the wilderness.
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Survival against insurmountable odds
Riley’s survival story represents an extraordinary demonstration of canine resilience. The 8-year-old sheltie endured five weeks in mountain wilderness during unpredictable spring weather conditions, losing half his body weight in the process.
Had Hackett not chosen that particular path or decided to turn back earlier, Riley’s fate might have been tragically different. The timing of this chance encounter—with Riley using his last energy reserves to call for help—underscores just how narrow the margin between tragedy and miracle can be.
Veterinary experts consider Riley’s survival remarkable, particularly given his age and the extreme environmental challenges he faced. His recovery process would require careful monitoring and gradual reintroduction to proper nutrition.
For Hackett, Krugman, and the dedicated volunteers at Summit Lost Pet Rescue, Riley’s story serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, against all odds, perseverance and a bit of serendipity can bring about the most heartwarming conclusions to seemingly hopeless situations.
