Russ, a pit bull from California, went missing in August of last year.
When his owner, a nurse, left town on business, the dog leaped out of the car.
After discovering the loss of a pet, the woman attempted to locate him, but there was a large forest fire in Tahoe, forcing her to flee.
The fire destroyed everything alive, and the woman had to accept the fact that Russ was gone for good.
However, the pet was discovered several months later — and under extremely strange circumstances.
Tahoe PAWS Animal Services announced on December 16 that a local skier had discovered a stray dog in the woods.
According to a social media post, the dog was completely buried under a thick layer of snow and couldn’t move.
Because of the severe snowfall and the pit bull’s location on the side of the mountain, getting to the animal was extremely difficult.
Despite the inclement weather, a rescue crew from Tahoe PAWS and TLC 4 Furry Friends went to save the dog, knowing he would not survive the night.
They were able to reach the animal and bring it out from under the fallen tree with the help of specialized equipment.
The dog was alive and well despite the fire and frost.
The veterinarian was able to swiftly identify Russ and return him to his owners’ thanks to the microchip.
“Dogs are extremely intelligent and powerful animals. They can go for lengthy periods of time without water or nourishment. We don’t know what kinds of conditions this dog has been in or how long he has been alone. “The most important thing is that he is alive,” said Wendy Jones, executive director of Tahoe PAWS.
Russ was soon reunited with his family. The pet’s return before Christmas was a true miracle and the best way to close the year.
Volunteers had to labor at night with heavy gusts and snowfall to save the dog, but they are pleased with the mission’s outcome.
Many people believe they will never forget this encounter.
“As a rescue group, we have an obligation to aid,” one of the rescuers, Leona Allen, told the San Francisco Chronicle. – I’ve been on several difficult missions, but this is without a doubt the most difficult for me. Only when the dog opened his eyes and raised his head did I breathe fully for the first time. Another redemption, another joyful existence in safety and warmth.”
