When a dog goes missing, it’s always a stressful time for the family at home. Sometimes the dog finds its way back on its own, while other times a search is needed to bring them safely home.
Sage, a 12-year-old blind Labrador, ran away from her home, leaving her family worried sick. Being elderly and visually impaired, her family feared she wouldn’t survive alone in the surrounding forest near Boulder Creek, California.
© Beth Cole
Beth Cole, Sage’s owner, told The Dodo that ten neighbors joined in the search, which lasted late into the night. They continued looking for several days, but as time passed, hope began to fade. After five days, then six, seven, and eight, they feared that Sage might have fallen victim to a predator.
Then, by chance, a neighbor and firefighter, Dan Estrada, spotted something near a creek at the bottom of a steep slope while walking his dogs.
“At first, I thought it was a trash bag,” Dan said. “No one wants garbage dumped in the forest. But when I looked closer, I realized it was Sage.”
Sage lay still, and Dan feared the worst — until she lifted her head. One of his friends exclaimed, “Dude, she’s alive!”
Without hesitation, Dan rushed down the slope, jumped into the stream, and embraced her. He held her, kissed her, and petted her, while Sage wagged her tail and lifted her head — showing that she was determined and strong.
© Beth Cole
The family had offered a $1,000 reward for Sage’s return, but Dan refused the money. Instead, he asked that it be donated to an animal rescue organization.
Sage’s incredible survival and her emotional reunion with her family serve as a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the extraordinary bond between humans and their pets.