Two beloved pet dogs that vanished while they were out for a walk in the hills are safe at home thanks to the smell of grilled sausages.
Miniature schnauzers Charlie and Theo were missing for four days after disappearing in thick fog on the Red Pike fell near Buttermere, Cumbria.
Distraught owners Liz and Graham Hampson launched a rescue campaign and sought help from mountain rescue teams, family and friends.
There was no sign of the dogs as more than 120 people and two drones scoured the hills, so Liz and Graham decided to try to lure them with their favourite bangers.
They set up a barbecue near the spot where Charlie and Theo, who are father and son, vanished and shouted the dogs’ names.
To their amazement, a short time later the dogs appeared through the trees, leading to an emotional reunion.
Liz, 49, from nearby Cockermouth, said: “When they first appeared it was like a mirage. I could not believe it was them.
“My husband ran up the hill to grab them as I was just shaking and crying. I could not function.
“The dogs are just gorgeous, and they are part of our family. It would be horrible not to have them around.
“They absolutely love sausages. They have them every Sunday for breakfast, so if there was one food they were going to come back for, it was sausages.”
Liz and Graham’s son John was walking Charlie, aged seven, and Theo, aged 15 months, on top Red Pike fell on June 16.
The weather turned at lunchtime and a thick mist rolled in, causing the 21-year-old to lose sight of the dogs.
He rang his mum straight away to let her know what had happened, and they immediately started to form a rescue party.
Liz said: “I was beside myself when John called. The dogs walk off lead when there is no livestock around and are used to being on the fells.
“It was a horrible phone call. We called our family and messaged friends and put out an appeal for people to look out for them on Facebook and Twitter.
“I also have a few friends who are part of mountain rescue groups so I asked if they could keep their eyes peeled if they were called out to a rescue.”
Liz and Graham spent the first night camping on the fell and calling the dogs’ names trying to get them to come back.
They then spent the next few days over Father’s Day weekend hiking all around the area in hot weather trying to find them.
On the morning of June 19, Mark Steel, a GP and member of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, said the dogs were likely on the other side of the fell, near Gillerthwaite.
Together they hatched a plan to get the dogs back, and started barbecuing sausages.
Liz said: “It was great to see them appear through the trees.”
“They were thin, and they smelled, but thankfully they’d kept themselves hydrated in the heat.
“We took them to the vets the next day and they were given a clean bill of health.”
She added: “My son is in the navy and we rang him first to tell him. A huge cheer went up on his ship.
“Charlie and Theo are actually dad and son so we’re now joking they had a Father’s Day weekend.
“And they’ve told us nothing about what happened. I guess what goes on tour, stays on tour.”
Touching the loyal dog who became a friend to guard the sleep of the little girl in the hospital bed, making millions of hearts melt, a Tale of Unconditional Love and Comfort.
In the world of unexpected and heartwarming connections, there are stories that touch our souls and reaffirm the incredible bonds between humans and their furry companions. This is the touching tale of a loyal dog who, in a hospital room, became not only a friend but a guardian, watching over a little girl as she slept, a narrative that has melted the hearts of countless individuals.
The story unfolds within the sterile walls of a hospital room, where a young girl was facing a challenging and often frightening medical journey. Her hospital stay was marked by uncertainty and discomfort, as she grappled with a condition that required extensive treatment. It was a time when the presence of a comforting friend became all the more important.
It was during this period that a furry companion entered the picture, bringing a ray of warmth and comfort to the young girl’s life. A loyal dog, known for its unwavering devotion to the family, found a way to be by her side. This remarkable canine not only sensed the little girl’s distress but also recognized her need for companionship and comfort.
As day turned into night, the little girl’s loyal friend took on a new role—a guardian of dreams. With gentle eyes and a caring heart, the dog curled up by her hospital bed, its presence serving as a comforting reassurance. Through the night, the dog remained vigilant, watching over the young patient, ensuring she felt safe and protected.
The story of the loyal dog’s nightly vigil captured the hearts of millions when it was shared online. It resonated deeply with people from all walks of life, evoking a sense of empathy and appreciation for the incredible capacity of animals to bring comfort and solace, especially during challenging times.
The narrative of the loyal dog’s bond with the little girl in the hospital is a testament to the remarkable connections that can exist between humans and their four-legged companions. It underscores the empathy and understanding that animals can offer, often intuitively knowing when their human friends need their presence the most.
The story serves as a source of inspiration, reminding us of the therapeutic and uplifting qualities of the human-animal bond. It highlights the unique ability of dogs, in particular, to provide solace and companionship, transcending the boundaries of language and understanding.
In closing, the tale of the loyal dog who became a guardian to a little girl in the hospital is a powerful message of love and comfort. It reminds us that, even in the most challenging of circumstances, there is a source of solace and strength to be found in the presence of a loyal friend. The bond between this little girl and her furry guardian serves as an enduring reminder of the profound impact that animals can have on our lives, melting hearts and leaving an indelible mark of love and comfort.
Leave a Reply