Missing CA Dog Reunited With Owner After 4 Months

CALIFORNIA — A dog that ran away during the Caldor Fire about four months ago was safely reunited with its owner last week, according to the Tahoe PAWS Community Animal Response Team.

The dog, Russ, ran away from its owner, a traveling nurse, after it became scared during the blaze. Russ was found trapped beneath 5 feet of snow in the Twin Peaks mountain, west of Lake Tahoe, according to a Facebook post by the animal response organization.

"It was in the snow, apparently unable to move, and was growling at the individuals who observed it," according to the post.

Volunteers suited up with snow shoes, dog rescue equipment and a sled to save the animal.

"The dog was traced up the mountain, and finally located under a tree not moving," according to the post. "The volunteers were elated when he opened his eyes and lifted his head."

They were able to hoist him onto the sled and keep him warm as they began a slow decent down the mountain.

He was taken to a veterinarian, where they found his microchip. Animal officials were then able to track down his owner in Riverside County.

"The owner was ecstatic to found out that his dog was alive," the post read.

Russ had run off while his owner was working during the raging Caldor Fire. The owner attempted to search for his dog, but was ultimately evacuated with the rest of the south shore amid the growing fire.

"This is a great reminder that microchipping your pet and maintaining the registration in your name is important," Tahoe PAWs wrote in the Facebook post.

Read the full post here.