When Zachary Hackett set out on a solo hike in Summit County, Colorado, he expected a challenging trek, not a life-changing moment. But that’s exactly what happened in mid-May, as he stumbled across a scene that would unravel a weeks-long mystery.
A Cry for Help in the Wilderness
Hackett had veered off the trail as daylight dwindled, determined to retrace his steps before nightfall. Just as he was preparing to descend, he heard a faint sound coming from behind a cluster of fallen trees. “I heard a slight ‘yip,’” Hackett recalled.
Curious and concerned, he approached the sound cautiously. There, nestled in the debris, was a dog—thin, shivering, and clearly in dire need of help. “The closer I got, the more I realized how weak he was,” Hackett said. “He could barely lift his head. That little bark felt like his last cry for help.”
Wrapping the frail pup in his windbreaker, Hackett began the long journey down the mountain. What he didn’t know was that this wasn’t just any lost dog—this was Riley, an 8-year-old sheltie who had been missing for over five weeks.
The Disappearance of Riley
Riley’s owner, Mike Krugman, had been devastated when the family dog disappeared after a snowstorm compromised the fence in their backyard. He immediately contacted Summit Lost Pet Rescue (SLPR) to help with the search.
“We searched tirelessly,” said Melissa Davis, cofounder of SLPR. The team scoured Krugman’s 36-acre property and nearby trails, using drones, social media campaigns, and “scent stations” to lure Riley back. These stations featured items like his dog bed or his owner’s clothing, designed to guide the dog home using familiar scents. Despite these efforts, weeks passed with no sign of Riley.
A Miraculous Rescue
Riley’s journey had somehow taken him up a mountain, where he struggled to find food or water. Hackett carried the malnourished dog down for two hours, crossing rivers and navigating rugged terrain. “Dehydration doesn’t even begin to describe his condition,” Hackett said. Once home, he bathed Riley and offered him water, which the dog sipped cautiously. After hours of care, Riley managed to stand, though his legs were weak.
The next morning, Hackett brought Riley to the Summit County Animal Shelter, where staff immediately recognized him. “When Zach brought Riley in, I couldn’t believe it was the same dog we’d been searching for all this time,” said animal control officer Catherine Adair. Riley, though exhausted, was finally safe.
An Emotional Reunion
Adair contacted Krugman with the incredible news. “When I told him we’d found Riley, he said, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m on my way,’” Adair recalled. At the shelter, Riley, too weak to move, could only lick Krugman’s face as his owner bent down to embrace him. “The reunion was overwhelming,” Krugman said. “Riley just kept licking my face all the way to the vet.”
A Remarkable Recovery
Veterinarians discovered that Riley’s weight had dropped from 24 pounds to just 12. His potassium levels were dangerously high, and he required fluids and daily monitoring. Despite his ordeal, Riley’s spirit remained intact.
“It’s a miracle,” said Krugman. “Zachary’s timing saved Riley’s life.” Today, Riley is back home, recovering under the watchful eye of his grateful family.
The Power of Compassion
This extraordinary rescue highlights the resilience of animals and the kindness of strangers. Thanks to Hackett’s quick action and the tireless efforts of Summit Lost Pet Rescue, Riley’s story has a happy ending. It’s a reminder that even in the vast wilderness, small acts of compassion can make a world of difference.
