A missing hiker from Maine was found alive by rescuers because her dog kept her warm. This harrowing story doesn’t have a completely happy ending.
But, it does illustrate the bond between humans and their dogs. Here’s what happened.
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They took an autumn walk with their dog.
When John and Pamela Helmstadter went for an autumn walk with their dog on October 13th, they never imagined how it would turn out. They were exploring a wooded area near their house in Alexander, ME, when the day turned into a tragedy.
John fell and couldn’t get up.
While walking, the couple went off the path. Then, John, 82, fell. He couldn’t get back up, and neither of them had a cell phone, so they couldn’t get help. They were lost in the forest.
Pamela, 72, tried to get help but was disoriented and couldn’t find her way back, according to Maine Game Wardens.
A search party was gathered.
A neighbor contacted local authorities with concern for the couple, so a search party was launched. Maine Game Wardens used K9 teams to try and locate the couple.
After four nights, they finally found the missing couple just a mile away from their house.
John had sadly passed away.
By the time rescuers located them, John had tragically lost his life. Conditions were extremely cold at night, and Pamela was found still alive but with severe hypothermia. She was lying two hundred yards away from John.
Their dog saved her life.
When the rescuers arrived, the couple’s dog was with Pam. The dog was alert and doing well.
While temperatures at night were around 26 degrees Fahrenheit, the Maine Department for Inland Fisheries & Wildlife believes the dog likely saved her life.
The dog was very protective.
When found, Pamela was able to discuss what happened, even though her body temperature was down to 90.7.
Her dog was protective and would lay on top of her chest.
She was transferred to the hospital.
Pamela told authorities that she didn’t think she would be found alive. But then she heard airplanes circling overhead, which gave her renewed hope.
Pamela is still recovering from what happened.
The dog definitely deserves accolades!
The loyal dog likely saved her life by keeping her warm through the four long nights she was in the woods.
This tragic accident could have taken her life as well as her husband’s, but with the efforts of her loyal dog and rescue teams, Pamela will likely fully recover.
