Imagine a freezing afternoon in western Oregon. Eighty-two-year-old Karen Joyce Davis, living with dementia, headed out for a walk with her loyal blue heeler, Cami. What began as a simple stroll quickly turned terrifying when they disappeared into the dense, wintry woods.
As darkness fell and temperatures plummeted to near freezing, the situation grew dire. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office launched a search, but hours passed with no sign of Ms. Davis. Amidst the danger, Cami became a true guardian. She stayed curled close to Karen, offering crucial warmth against the biting cold.
Search-and-rescue volunteers combed the difficult, steep terrain. They knew Ms. Davis had dementia and that Cami was uncharacteristically quiet. Yet, one volunteer, Katie Sciotto, took a chance and called out Cami’s name. Faintly, through the darkness and dense forest, she heard it – a bark. That single sound was the beacon they desperately needed.
“Without Cami, we likely would not have found her,” Sciotto later recounted. “The dog really did save her life.” Tripping and falling, the team pushed through the undergrowth, guided by Cami’s intermittent barks. They found Ms. Davis, chilled and vulnerable, but alive, thanks to her devoted companion. She was treated for hypothermia and safely transported to a hospital.
The Sheriff’s Office rightfully praised Cami: “Her dog, Cami, kept her warm and signalled to Lane County Sheriff’s search-and-rescue volunteers.” This heartwarming rescue is a powerful reminder of the incredible bond between humans and animals, and the extraordinary loyalty of our canine friends. Cami truly proved to be a hero, whose quiet presence and single bark made all the difference.
Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/dog-helps-save-owner-lost-in-freezing-oregon-woods
