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.”
Endearing Dedication: Pup Remains Loyal on Porch Despite Desertion, Inspiring Empathy and Deepening Family Bonds
Few things are as unjust as when a dog ends up in the care of irresponsible and selfish owners. Dogs shower their families with unconditional love, and it’s truly disheartening when this affection is met with selfishness and indifference.
In this heartrending tale, a beautiful pup named Cupid experienced heartbreak when his family decided to relocate and left him behind. Cupid watched in confusion as his beloved family packed their belongings, loaded their car, and drove away, leaving him behind without an explanation.
All he knew was that this place had been his home, and perhaps, if he waited patiently, his family would return. Fortunately, a compassionate neighbor took notice and contacted Janine Guido, the founder of Speranza Animal Rescue, after seeing Cupid sleeping alone on the porch.
“All I was told was that his owners moved out and left him behind,” Guido recounted. She tried approaching Cupid, but he retreated to his safe haven. She watched as he desperately jumped and scratched at the front door, almost pleading to be let back inside. Witnessing this broke Guido’s heart, and she felt a deep urge to help him.
Guido attempted to offer food to gain Cupid’s trust, but he only ran away. After a 30-minute chase, Guido found the right words to calm him down and reassure him. It may sound strange, but Guido swears that Cupid understood her. Finally, he allowed her to leash him.
“On the ride home, she continued to tell him what was happening, as he understood her,” the story unfolds. “He has been nothing but the sweetest gentleman since coming to the rescue. You can tell he’s still really confused. But he is happy to meet everyone with a wagging tail.”
In due time, Cupid will be ready to embark on the search for a forever family. While it’s disheartening to think about people abandoning their pets, it’s heartwarming to know that there are dedicated individuals like Guido working tirelessly to ensure these mistreated animals receive the love and care they deserve.
Once Cupid finds his forever family, he’ll be in the company of those who truly appreciate and reciprocate his affection.
If you ever come across a situation like this, providing a dog with food, water, and temporary shelter while seeking professional help is a compassionate gesture. However, it’s crucial to involve experts who can secure the dog’s long-term well-being and determine the best course of action.
Remember, every animal deserves love, care, and a safe environment. By reaching out to the appropriate authorities, you can play a vital role in ensuring that abandoned dogs receive the care and compassion they require and, hopefully, find a loving forever home where they’ll never face abandonment again.
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