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.”
‘Dumped’ 16-Year-Old Dog’s Distressing Cries Rocked Woman To Her Core
At 16 years old, Link, a senior dog, found himself abandoned at a shelter, bewildered and heartbroken. The little dog, who had spent his entire life with one family, couldn’t understand why he was left behind and would cry for hours in confusion.
Enter Carly, who discovered Link through a photo shared by her friend Angel. Despite Link’s advanced age and health issues, Carly felt an immediate bond with him and knew she had to give him the loving home he deserved. Upon meeting him at the shelter, their connection was undeniable, with Link calming down as soon as he heard Carly’s voice and felt her soothing touch.
Without hesitation, Carly made the decision to adopt Link, giving him the chance for a new beginning in a forever home filled with love and care.
Image/Story Source Credit: GeoBeats Animals via YouTube Video
After Carly brought Link home, she observed how her own dog, Toad, was ecstatic to meet his new friend. In the initial days, Toad was particularly attentive to Link’s health concerns, staying by his side constantly. Link, troubled by skin problems, would often whine and itch. Recognizing Link’s distress, Toad assumed the role of his emotional support, a role he continues to fulfill to this day.
Image/Story Source Credit: GeoBeats Animals via YouTube Video
After two years with Carly, Link has transformed from a shy, almost furless dog into a vibrant, furry companion. Now approximately 18 years old, Link has regrown a significant amount of fur and appears entirely different. Toad, the cuddly 80-pound dog, adores his tiny 7-pound brother, and they are often found snuggled together on the couch.
Carly frequently hears comments from onlookers about the unique duo during their walks. Despite his advanced age, Link is an energetic and demanding dog, always ready to bark, explore, and meet new people.
Link’s health has seen considerable improvement under Carly’s care. Although he has a cataract in one eye that affects his vision, Carly has ensured that he receives all necessary treatments for his allergies and skin issues, allowing him to enjoy a much more comfortable and happy life.
Carly and Toad consider themselves fortunate to have Link in their lives and are thankful for the chance to care for him and shower him with love in his final years. While I can’t play videos, I can imagine the heartwarming scenes of Link’s remarkable transformation and his endearing bond with Toad. This story serves as a beautiful reminder that dogs of all ages are worthy of a forever home and the unconditional love they bring to our lives.
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