Rudy Lost His Path

On April 6th our Chocolate Lab, Rudy went out to play (as he often does) and didn't return home. In the past years he and our other dogs get the itchin' to go on a "joy run" but they all usually return within a few hours. We have 150 acres around us and there is NO telling which way they go.

I was deeply concerned for his well being since he is now older and struggles with arthritis in his back legs. You can see that he is in some sort of pain when he walks..."the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak."

I happened to post "status updates" on my Facebook page and to my surprise... I was getting quite a following of people checking on updates for his well being. I am going to post those updates below.

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Rebecca Stevens Helvey My heart is heavy with worry for our elderly dog,Rudy. He's been gone all day...the other two dogs are here at home. We are going on a search for him as soon as Jonathan gets home. Praying he isn't hurt :>(

Rebecca Stevens Helvey Just want to thank my dear friend Kelley Ramsey Dickerson for being so sweet and braving the woods looking for my beloved Rudy. What great friends I have! :>( and no...we still can't find him...but Kelley's act of compassion and kindness really made my day!

Rebecca Stevens Helvey Not sure if my voice being hoarse is from allergies or from me yelling for Rudy? Sure it is a mixture of both.

Rebecca Stevens Helvey After 3 days of searching & accepting we may never see Rudy again,Jon hiked into the woods hearing what sounded like a puppy yelping.It was RUDY! He was stuck in a deep hole & there's no doubt he would have died there if Jon hadn't followed the barks.He is extremely weak,dehydrated,& what seems like in shock but we did... catch a glimpse of a tail wagging.Thank you "DOG LOVERS" for all of your thoughts & kind words .

Rebecca Stevens Helvey After 3 days of searching for our beloved Rudy..and pretty much giving up....my husband found him stuck in a deep hole. My husband is my hero...and I know Rudy's too!

The animal den that Jonathan found Rudy within. Rudy was only seen from the front legs up.

I know it doesn't look that deep but the hole goes down pretty deep and another entrance/exit into the den is located above it.

Poor Guy. He was lifeless.
My sweet husband had to drape him over his shoulders to carry him approx. 1/4 mile home.

We were thankful that he at least would drink the water we placed in front of him. Eating food was a WHOLE other story.

Opie, our other sweet mutt, was thanking Jonathan for finding his buddy and bringing him home :>)

Also, Jonathan is displaying his dirty/muddy arms that he used to dig Rudy out of the hole. There was no time to go home and get a shovel. His adrenaline kicked in and he rescued our Rudy from certain doom.