A New Zealand family was cery worried when their elderly dog went missing. However, as excited as they were when he found his way back home, they were shocked to see the note hung around his neck! This touching note let them know he was a returning hero.
Louie is a sheepdog that has lived on a family farm since he was just a few weeks old. He lived with the parents of the photographer whose photos you will see and enjoy in this article. This lovable sheepdog was an extremely energetic puppy and he enjoyed wandering across the family farm.
As Louie aged over the years, he stayed much closer to the family home. Now at 12 years old, he didn’t do much wandering across the farm. So, when on the day he disappeared, they were very concerned. They had no idea where he may have gone and were worried that something bad had happened to Louie.
Our returning hero is a New Zealand sheepdog
How Louie BecameA Returning Hero
“He looked so exhausted, and had basically just collapsed,” said Marolyn . “We were concerned someone might have hurt him. But after reading the note I felt complete and utter relief, then my heart melted.”
Our Returning Hero Has A Note Around His Neck
The note strung around his neck announced that Louie was a hero. The note said “Louie is the hero of the day. He led me to Maddy in distress stuck under a branch pile. Cheers, Rob.”
Rob, one of their neighbors and also a farmer, has a dog named Maddie. After reading the amazing note, they wanted to know more of this story. Reaching Rob by telephone, they learned the details.
The Details of How He Became A Returning Hero
Apparently, Maddy had been missing all day and Rob had been unable to find her. He had looked everywhere without any luck and finally returned home sad in heart.
Rob was surprised to see Louie waiting on him when he arrived home. Louie insisted for Rob to follow him. Rob knew enough to trust Louie and his canine instincts so he followed after him.
Amazingly, Louie led Rob to the exactl place where Maddy was trapped in a group of bushes. The poor dog had unfortubnately become trapped and could not free herself. Somehow, Maddy’s best friend she had been found.
“Rob said he was 100 percent sure that Louie knew what he was doing, and getting Rob to Maddy was his one pure focus,” shared Marolyn. “Once he found her, Louie helped Rob dig her out, pulling at branches, digging out the ground. Rob said the second she was free both dogs ran to a nearby pond and jumped into it exhausted and drinking water.”
Returning hero and the best friend he rescued
The Rescue Took A Lot Out Of Louie
Louie’s rescue efforts exhausted him. He had no interest in either food or water for the rest of the day. It seemed to take great effort for him to even raise his head to look around.
At his age and especially after his big adventure, they were very concerned about his condition. Thankfully, Louie returned to normal shortly thereafter. He perked right up when his best friend Maddy and Rob dropped by for a visit the following day.
“The next morning Rob came over on his bike with Maddy in a wee basket in the back,” said Marolyn sai “Louie perked up and was back to normal.”
Maddie, the pup rescued by the returning hero
Now that Louie is back to normal, life if good back on the farm.
Here is another story about one dog rescuing another. https://happymutt.org/1989-2-heroic-dog-rescues-a-wounded-pup/
Photos courtesy of Marolyn Diver and original story thanks to The DoDO
