A Colorado service dog-in-training is back home after going missing nearly two months ago thanks to a pair of hikers.
According to the Greeley Tribune, a 14-month-old Bernese mountain dog named Nova was rescued on Nov 19.
Her owner, Robynne Simons-Sealy, is disabled and lost her dog when Nova got spooked in a Safeway parking lot and ran off.
Simons-Sealy searched for her dog. She put up posters and had neighbors help look for the dog, but although there were some sightings, Nova was too scared to be caught.
Simons-Sealy said, “She survived two snow storms and below-freezing weather. I was in tears every time it snowed.”
Thankfully, on Nov. 19, a pair of helpful hikers were able to rescue Nova.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office posted to Facebook, noting, “With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we want to share this story of thanksgiving for the acts of kindness shown to a lost pet.”
https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonCountySheriffColorado/posts/pfbid02w6KRPXbBLJqUNMvWctCnDcbSBmLmmFGzFXPGAhrmwzUjRHQMe87my5sYkqUBX479l
“Two hikers found a dog on the trail with no owner in sight. They tried to make friends with the dog, but it was injured and scared,” the post went on.
Then it stated, “One of the hikers was bit while attempting to carry the wounded pet down the mountain. Despite that, they knew the pup needed help and they called us.”
“One hiker remained with the dog while the other came down for medical help and to show rescuers where to go. As luck would have it, a ranger remembered a lost dog poster posted in the park over a month ago,” the post added.
It was also detailed that animal control was called and the dog was reunited with her owner.
Nova suffered a broken leg will need to have her broken leg amputated, Simons-Sealy said. She lost about 20 pounds, or a quarter of her body weight, while she was missing.
She will no longer be a therapy dog, but will remain with Simons-Sealy.
She is now resting, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office sent out, “A special thanks to everyone involved in helping Nova return home!”