'Miracle dog' regaining weight after spending 2 months in wilderness by dead owner's side
A dog that was found emaciated next to the body of her owner who died from hypothermia has regained her weight and has even began hiking again.
Searchers found the body of Rich Moore, 71, on Oct. 30, more than two months after he was reported missing Aug. 19 while hiking in southwest Colorado.
He and his 3-year-old Jack Russell terrier, Finney, disappeared after venturing into the Blackhead Peak area. A hunter found Moore's body in the Lower Blanco drainage basin and, next to him, a protective Finney.
"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," Moore's wife, Dana Holby, told The Associated Press.
When she was found, she was so emaciated that her ribs were showing. She had lost half her body weight.
Finney:Dog of missing Colorado hiker found dead lost half her body weight when standing by his side
Finney regaining weight
"Finney is doing well," Holby told the AP. "She has gained almost all of her weight back, and her strength is almost where it was. She is the miracle dog."
Holby said Finney does have an injury to her snout that could scar, but the pup is on her way back to normal.
"She is now 3, very clingy and will not let me out of her sight," Holby said. "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."
Despite the ordeal, Finney is still going on hikes − as much as 5 miles a day.
"She is such a comfort to me and a great companion," Holby said.
Contributing: Amaris Encinas and Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY; The Associated Press