Colorado Dog Reunited With Owner After 43 Days Missing

Lost During Ski Trip

A dog that went missing during a ski trip in Colorado has been reunited with his owner after surviving more than six weeks alone in the Rocky Mountains.

The Labrador-boxer mix, named Rocky, disappeared while his owner, Steven Maa, was skiing in Keystone, Colorado, during a cross-country trip. Rocky had been staying with a sitter when he slipped away and ran off, leaving Maa scrambling to locate his pet.

Rescue Efforts Begin

Maa contacted Summit Lost Pet Rescue, a Colorado-based organization that specializes in tracking and recovering missing animals.

Rescuers were able to spot Rocky just three days after he disappeared, but the frightened dog repeatedly avoided capture. For weeks, volunteers continued searching and monitoring sightings in the area.

Brandon Ciullo, co-founder of the rescue group, said dogs can be surprisingly resilient in the wild.

“Animals are resilient, tough and resourceful,” Ciullo said. “They’ll find food, water and shelter.”

Tracked Down After More Than a Month

After more than 40 days of searching, the rescue group received a tip about Rocky’s location. Volunteers quickly moved in and were able to safely recover the dog.

Despite spending 43 days alone outdoors in mountainous terrain, Rocky survived the ordeal.

Before returning home, Rocky was taken to a veterinarian to ensure he was healthy and recovering well after his time in the wilderness.

An Emotional Reunion

Video shared by the rescue organization shows the emotional moment Maa and Rocky were finally reunited.

After weeks of uncertainty, the two were able to continue their cross-country journey together, heading toward California.

The reunion highlights both the determination of rescue volunteers and the remarkable resilience animals can show when facing harsh conditions.