Family Of Hiker Who Died In Mountains Give Health Update On 'Miracle Dog' Who Lost Half Her Body Weight While Waiting For Help

The spouse of the hiker, missing for two months and discovered deceased, has provided an update regarding their devoted dog.

Credit: Colorado Missing Persons Organization

Rich Moore and his Jack Russell Terrier Finney went missing on August 19, after embarking on a journey to reach the summit of Blackhead Peak, near Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Rescue workers looked for the 71-year-old and his dog for about 2,000 hours, but they were never found.

On October 30, more than two months later, a hunter discovered the two. 

Finney, who had faithfully stayed by her owner's side, was still alive, although Moore sadly passed away.

Credit: Colorado Missing Persons Organization

The man's best friend was promptly brought to a nearby animal hospital for assessment and care after Finney and Moore were discovered.

They were helicoptered down the mountain.

Moore's family reunited with the dog after it was given the all-clear.

Taos Search and Rescue informed fans on Facebook: "Delinda and TSAR would like to send our condolences to the family, but are glad they were able to gain some closure as well as bring their dog back home."

AP

However, after spending two months in the bush, how is the little Jack Russell doing?

Moore's wife, Dana Holby, has subsequently disclosed that the dog is "doing well" after going missing and losing half of her weight, CBS reports.

She said on Thursday, November 16, to the Associated Press: "She has gained almost all of her weight back and her strength is almost where it was. She is the miracle dog.”

"She is now three, very clingy, and will not let me out of her sight.”

AP

"Her ravenous appetite has calmed down, but at first she could not get enough to eat and wanted food at all times of the day and night."

Delinda VanneBrightyn of Taos Search and Rescue pointed out that Finney would undoubtedly have a "wonderful tale" to share if she "could talk."

"We probably could not even believe the story the dog would tell," she adds.

The team is 'very delighted' that Finney could be reunited with her family, she told the Associated Press.

AP

VanneBrightyn reflected: "They have lost their loved one, but they still have this wonderful, loyal dog."

Holby resolves: "People say, 'Is that Finney?' She is such a comfort to me and a great companion on hikes.”

"I know that she was with Rich to the very end and somehow that should be a comfort. I don't know how she did it, but she was there when he needed her."