Little Dog Braved 12 Days in Cold, Reunited with Owner

If only dogs could talk, maybe “Bentley” could tell his owner just how he did it.

The 5-year-old Shih Tzu/maltese mix went missing nearly two weeks ago, and it appears the little furball survived outdoors the entire time—through subzero temperatures, dangerous wind chills, and even more snow.

His owner, Manhattan resident Caitlin Duffy, never gave up hope she would find her beloved pooch, despite the odds and the weather working against them. She took to social media to spread the word, asking residents in all nearby communities to watch for the scruffy dog.

Bentley turned up Friday in a field near Manhattan-Monee and Cedar roads, 12 days after he disappeared. He was cold, a little underweight, but otherwise in good health, Duffy said.

A family nearby recognized Bentley after seeing his flier on one of the Facebook pages. His family knew instantly that it was Bentley.

“He’s been outside for 12 days,” Duffy said. “So he’s weak, and very skinny. But the vet says everything else checks out. No frost bite, no broken bones.

“He is one tough little pup and everyone is so happy that he is home. I’m happier than anyone can imagine.”

Do you have a similar “good news” story to share with Patch? Email editor Lauren Traut at lauren.traut@patch.com.