5 days ago, you may recall I reported on a dog that had been left behind when his owner was airlifted out of the back country and the dog was scared off by the helicopter. Good news. Thank you, VWA for your diligence on this. Here is the recovery story:
Hi All,
As most/all of you know, a dog named Ruger was left behind at Cienega Camp when his sick owner was airlifted to the hospital. Many of you have been wondering/worrying about Ruger.
Colleen, Gino, and one other volunteer hiked in on Sunday to try to find and rescue Ruger, but had no luck. Another backpacker heard a dog near Cienega Camp Sunday afternoon, just before Colleen and crew got there; he stayed the night hoping to attract the dog, but did not see or hear anything more of Ruger. Ruger’s owner (Garrett) recovered and was released from the hospital and went back in to Cienega on Monday (with help from Connie and Joaquin) to try to locate his dog. I just received a text from Garrett’s mom saying that Garrett found Ruger and that both have made it out to PBSSP campground in Big Sur.
I am still crying…I am a sucker for a happy dog reuniting story.
Date:Friday, July 24, 2026District:05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz…
I love a happy ending. Dog owner found and put in contact with person who…
Date: July 17, 2026 District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa…
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Wonderful news, especially for Ruger and Garrett, with heartfelt thanks to everyone who tried. Hurray!
You are not alone, Kate. Ruger must have been elated to see Garrett again, share big hugs and a nice meal when back home. I
cried yesterday when the squirrel that comes for a walnut was hit by a car and killed on the road near my house. I picked her up and gave her a proper burial with flowers under and around her. Her grave is under the sprawling oak tree she scampered on. Today, the scruffy tailed squirrel came for a visit. I'm thinking he might be the dad, for she had signs of nursing babies. I hope he was foraging for his family. We animal lovers a just softies.
oh joy! I have been thinking about this. Thanks for closing the loop.
thankful for a happy ending. what an ordeal for both. thanks to all who helped.
That's the news I hope to hear. Heartwarming!
Thank you for the ending to this story - a very happy one
That is so great. Thank you Kate for updating us. I was so worried.
Happy for the owner in his recovery & his doggie getting reunited. A good story for one of those animal interest internet sites! I’d like it, as long as the location wasn’t revealed!
I love a happy ending!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is really amazing and it must be a remarkable amazing feeling to be reunited with lost animals.