Advertisement

'He didn't die alone': Dog found guarding owner's body two days after he died

An incredibly loyal dog has brought peace to a grieving family for staying with his dead owner until the pair were discovered two days after they were reported missing.

When David Deshon’s car became stuck in snow near his home in Foresthill, in the US state of California last week, he tried to hike home with his dogs Baby Dog and Buddy, CBS 13 reported.

Tracks in the snow indicated the 69-year-old tried hiking about 60 metres uphill before turning around and walking back in the direction of his house.

David Deshon's body was found after his car broke down in the snow. Source: CBS13
David Deshon's body was found after his car broke down in the snow. Source: CBS13

He died on his journey and his body was found days later less than 100 metres from one of his neighbour’s homes.

When police discovered his body, they encountered Baby Dog, who had stayed with his owner despite the freezing conditions.

Baby Dog was laying on his chest, while Buddy had fled to another neighbouring house.

“He wasn’t alone at all. He didn’t die alone,” Mr Deshon’s daughter Shona told the network.

The loyal dog continued to fiercely protect its owner even when help arrived, not allowing rescue teams to come anywhere near Mr Deshon.

Baby Dog stayed with his owner's body until they were discovered by police. Source: CBS13
Baby Dog stayed with his owner's body until they were discovered by police. Source: CBS13

His daughter said a neighbour who knew Baby Dog had to be brought to the scene to call him so he would separate from his owner and allow authorities access.

Both dogs have been taken into the care of an animal services facility where Buddy is completing a course of antibiotics, and Baby Dog is reportedly grieving from a broken heart.

Buddy will be up for adoption when he finishes his treatment, while Ms Deshon said she would take Baby Dog into her care. The pair don’t typically get on, she told the network.

“I just feel like I need to take Baby Dog because he is part of my dad now,” she said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.