Jim and Betsy Chaffin are a senior couple that loves going on hikes with their extended family. That includes their furry family members. It is a really great chance for them to bond while taking in the amazing sights that nature offers. It also allows them to exercise.
Off the path
One day, the Arizona-based couple went to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness to spend a day walking through the White River National Forest. They, of course, had their entourage in tow.
Their dog, a 10-month-old cockapoo named Bella, was walking with two other dogs leash-free. They are all very experienced hikers that never strayed too far from their group. They always went back to the trail, so Jim and Betsy didn’t worry about her.
But then, at some point during their hike, Bella went off the path and started her own adventure. She never returned to the group.
Betsy soon noticed that their precious pet was nowhere around them and told her husband right away. Went the group realized that Bella was gone, they started frantically searching for her. They had no idea where she was, and the dog wasn’t responding to their desperate calls.
When darkness started to come, they had no choice but to give up the search that day. The couple vowed to come back until they get their beloved pup back to their side.
Alone for a month
Betsy and Jim returned several times for the next four weeks. They did everything that they could possibly do to find Bella. They learned that some hikers saw her, but she would scurry off every time someone tried to get close.
Thankfully though, after a month of living alone in the wilderness, someone recognized her and was able to rescue the small pooch. The couple was informed right away, and they immediately went to pick her up.
Bella lost half her weight, and her fur was deeply matted. But, she did not have any major health issues. Her parents were amazed that despite the dangers everywhere, their dog was alive and back with them.
They promised to nurse her back to her ideal weight and shower her with love.
Source: Aspen Times
