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Lost dog survived alone for weeks in Colorado mountains — then hiker hears barking

A dog that disappeared from its home in Colorado was found five weeks later by a hiker on a mountain peak, according to a pet rescue group.

The animal first disappeared from its home on April 8 in Summit County, according to a Facebook post from Summit Lost Pet Rescue, Inc.

Search efforts for the dog turned up empty until weeks later on May 14, when a hiker hearing barks stumbled upon the animal on Peak 4 at 12,000 feet, the group said.

The dog was “hunkered down under a tree,” so Zachary Hackett wrapped a blanket around the animal and carried him back to town.

Hiker Zachary Hackett spotted Riley on the mountain and brought the dog back to town.
Hiker Zachary Hackett spotted Riley on the mountain and brought the dog back to town.

When Hackett took the animal to the Summit County Animal Control and Shelter the next day, he learned the dog — named Riley — had been reported missing on April 8, the group said.

“Talk about being in the right place at the right time!” the group said.

Riley was reunited with his owner and taken to a veterinarian after losing weight and having a low body temperature.

“He is recovering so well now and getting his strength and feistiness back again with his fur-siblings,” the group said.

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