Family Finds Dog Weeks After Being Thrown From Fatal Rollover Crash
/ CBS Colorado
CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - A dog that had been missing for nearly three weeks has been found alive in the mountains of Chaffee County. Bentley, a goldendoodle, was thrown from a vehicle which rolled 600 feet down Iron Chest Road on Aug. 7.
The crash killed 43-year-old Jennifer Orr and injured her adult daughter, Sam, who are from Kansas. Sam was airlifted to a hospital after the crash, but has since been trying to find Bentley for the last couple of weeks.
The family created a Facebook page to keep the public informed of their search and to ask for help looking for Bentley.
BENTLEY HAS BEEN RESCUED!
This guy has been what can only be compared to a mountain goat for the past 19 days. After the fatal accident where I lost my mom, Bentley was last seen running down hill from the accident. For the past 3 days he has been spotted far far above the accident site, laying amongst the rocks along the ridge of the mountain. Peering down at the Jeep wreckage, patiently waiting for his family to return. This morning, I left Pueblo, CO at 4:45am and drove the accident site in Buena Vista, CO. Along with a team, we spent hours hiking to the top of said mountain. I have never, and I mean never, done such dangerous and rewarding activity in my entire life. We were able to spot Bentley early in the day, a few hours in, I came within 30-40 feet of him. He wouldn't come to me, but seemed interested. Eventually his fear got the best of him and he made his way to the ridge (top). I slowly but surely followed him, upon reaching the summit, I could see him watching me. I got close to him, laid down, unpacked some items to eat and a new toy I'd purchased from him. He never moved an inch for over 15 minutes. Eventually I decided to give him some space, back off for a few minutes, and that got his attention. When I came back, him and I slowly altered walking few steps towards each other until finally I was able to convince him to come into my arms. And from then it was nothing but tears and celebration! Bentley is okay, he's a little malnourished and dehydrated. But otherwise no noticeable injuries. Thank you to everyone who played a role in bringing this sweet boy home. I know the past 19 days, God and my beautiful momma have been keeping an eye on him. GOD IS SO GOOD! ❤️
Sam posted on the page saying Bentley was seen running downhill away from the crash. But, the last few days he was seen sitting on the same mountain above the crash site.
On Saturday, she posted about her effort to approach Bentley which she said seemed fearful and moved away from her. She says after she followed him up to the ridge, and he didn't come to her, she sat down and ate some food and unpacked a new toy for Bentley.
When he still would not come to her, Sam says she "decided to give him some space." When she came back, the two started moving closer to each other, and Bentley eventually walked into her arms.
She says Bentley is a little malnourished and dehydrated, but is okay.
