In a heartwarming tale of loyalty and resilience, a devoted Jack Russell terrier named Finney has defied the odds and overcome a harrowing ordeal in the Colorado mountains.
Her owner, Rich Moore, embarked on a fateful hiking expedition to Blackhead Peak on August 19, but tragically succumbed to hypothermia, leaving Finney stranded in the wilderness for over 10 weeks.
Despite the grim circumstances, the courageous canine has made a miraculous recovery and is once again hitting the trails, much to the delight of her family.
The story of Finney’s survival is a testament to the unbreakable bond between humans and their faithful companions. After Moore’s disappearance, an extensive search operation between Blackhead Peak and his vehicle yielded no results.
It wasn’t until October 30 that a hunter stumbled upon Moore’s lifeless body, accompanied by a fiercely protective and emaciated Finney, her ribs visible from the weight loss she endured.
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Less than three weeks after her rescue, Finney has made a remarkable rebound, according to Dana Holby, Moore’s wife. “Finney is doing well,” Holby remarked.
“She has gained almost all of her weight back, and her strength is almost where it was. She is the miracle dog.” Despite a minor injury on her snout that may leave a scar, Finney’s recovery is nothing short of extraordinary.
Describing the inseparable bond they now share, Holby added, “She is now 3, very clingy and will not let me out of her sight. Her ravenous appetite has calmed down, but at first, she could not get enough to eat and wanted food at all times of the day and night.”
Finney has become a local celebrity on the hiking trails around Pagosa Springs, where people often recognize her and marvel at her remarkable journey.
“People say, ‘Is that Finney?'” to which Holby responds with an enthusiastic,”Yes!”
“She is such a comfort to me and a great companion on hikes,” covering 4 to 5 miles a day, Holby said.
Delinda VanneBrightyn, a volunteer with Taos Search and Rescue, commended Finney’s unwavering dedication to Moore. VanneBrightyn, who has trained dogs for two decades, hailed the Jack Russell breed as “tough little dogs” known for their fierce loyalty.
Finney’s story is a poignant reminder of the extraordinary lengths to which our four-legged friends will go to protect and stand by their human companions.
“I know that she was with Rich to the very end and somehow that should be a comfort. I don’t know how she did it, but she was there when he needed her,” Holby said.
Finney’s remarkable tale of survival is not an isolated incident. In recent times, similar stories of dogs found beside their deceased owners have emerged.
In May 2022, a Labrador was discovered lying next to the body of a 74-year-old Arizona man who had perished during a hike. The preceding month, a missing 29-year-old hiker in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park was found dead, with his loyal dog faithfully by his side for two weeks.
Finney is an amazing dog and testament to why so many people own and love their dogs. They have an indomitable spirit and create enduring bonds of love and loyalty with their humans. Her story warms the hearts of all who hear of her incredible journey.