Dog Stays by Dead Owner’s Side for Days in the Arizona Wilderness Before Getting Rescued

A small dog that stayed faithfully beside its deceased owner in the Arizona wilderness has been rescued, authorities said.

According to 12 News, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (CCSO SAR) received a report on July 6 about a dog seen lingering near a vehicle in a remote area of the state. When rescue crews arrived, they discovered the loyal pup still near the spot—several miles from Muleshoe Ranch—where its owner had died.

“The sweet little pup is currently at a shelter,” CCSO SAR shared in a Facebook post. “This is not the first time rescue teams saved pets that stayed with their owner.”

Rescuers say they’re still unsure how long the dog remained there or how the owner ended up in the wilderness, but the dog’s devotion was clear. When approached, the frightened pup initially ran away, making the rescue more difficult. However, the team was eventually able to capture the dog and bring it to safety.

Photos shared by the search team show the small gray dog in the arms of its rescuers and resting in the shelter after the emotional ordeal.

“This truly shows the devotion and love a pet has for their person,” the team wrote. “Thank you to everyone involved in rescuing this pup.”

The cause of the owner’s death has not been made public.

In the comments on the CCSO SAR post, a man named John Merten said he encountered the dog hours before it was rescued. He recalled trying to approach the frightened animal and leaving it food and water.

“He seemed to be in good shape,” Merten wrote. “I feel terrible for what that dog endured.”

Other commenters expressed heartbreak for the situation, offered condolences to the owner’s family, and asked if the loyal pup would be put up for adoption.

As of now, the dog remains in the care of a shelter, and its future is yet to be determined.