Missing dog's emotional reunion with owner 19 days after fatal crash

  • 29/08/2018

A missing dog has been rescued and reunited with its owner a whopping 19 days after it ran from the scene of a fatal crash in Colorado.

Bentley the goldendoodle's owner said he had been "living like a mountain goat".

He was travelling in a Jeep with Jennifer Orr and her daughter Samantha when they crashed and plunged off a cliff in the Rocky Mountains on August 7.

Jennifer was killed in the accident, and Samantha suffered serious injuries.

She has spent 19 days desperately searching for Bentley around the scene of the accident on Iron Chest Rd in Chaffee County.

The canine was rescued on August 26, and Samantha has recounted the rescue operation on the Facebook page 'Bring Bentley Home'.

"For the past 3 days he has been spotted far far above the accident site, laying amongst the rocks along the ridge of the mountain," she said.

"This morning, I left Pueblo, CO at 4:45am and drove the accident site in Buena Vista, CO. Along with a team, we spent hours hiking to the top of said mountain. I have never, and I mean never, done such dangerous and rewarding activity in my entire life.

"We were able to spot Bentley early in the day, a few hours in, I came within 30-40 feet of him. He wouldn't come to me, but seemed interested.

"Eventually his fear got the best of him and he made his way to the ridge... I slowly but surely followed him, upon reaching the summit, I could see him watching me. I got close to him, laid down, unpacked some items to eat and a new toy I'd purchased from him."

She said he was initially too afraid to come close to her.

"He never moved an inch for over 15 minutes. Eventually I decided to give him some space, back off for a few minutes, and that got his attention. When I came back, him and I slowly altered walking few steps towards each other until finally I was able to convince him to come into my arms. And from then it was nothing but tears and celebration!"

Bentley is malnourished and dehydrated but otherwise has no noticeable injuries.

"Thank you to everyone who played a role in bringing this sweet boy home," Samantha wrote.

"I know the past 19 days, God and my beautiful momma have been keeping an eye on him. GOD IS SO GOOD!"

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