There are few words that can truly capture the bond between a man and his dog — but one photo of their friendship says it all.
Loyal Dog Saves His Owner On a Mountain
Twitter / Hrvatska GSS
Meet North, a brave Alaskan malamute whose loyalty and courage helped save his dad’s life in the harshest conditions.
Last Saturday, a young mountaineer was badly injured and left stranded nearly 5,600 feet up Mount Velebit — a rugged, snow-covered peak along Croatia’s Adriatic coast. According to The Associated Press, 27 rescuers fought their way up the icy slopes amid severe weather, slippery terrain, and fallen branches.
Fortunately, the hiker wasn’t alone — his faithful companion, North, was right there with him. As night fell and temperatures plummeted, North refused to leave his side. He curled up beside his injured owner, shielding him from the cold and keeping him warm until rescuers arrived.
“Friendship and love between man and dog know no limits,” Croatia’s Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) shared on Facebook. “North was unhurt, but his human friend wasn’t as lucky. So he stayed by him, warming him with his body.”
Rescuers finally reached the pair around midnight and managed to bring them down safely the next morning for medical care.
Thanks to North’s devotion, his dad survived the freezing night on the mountain.
“His loyalty didn’t end when help arrived,” HGSS wrote. “For 13 hours, North stayed beside his man, guarding him as one of us. His example reminds us all what it means to care for one another.”
Now back home, North is resting comfortably, showered with love, treats, and well-deserved praise. His dad is expected to make a full recovery.
To the world, North is a hero. But to him, he was simply being a friend — making sure his person got home safe.