The body of a 71-year-old hiker who had been missing since August has been found in the southern Colorado mountains, with his loyal terrier still by his side, according to Taos Search and Rescue. Rich Moore had embarked on a hiking trip with his Jack Russell Terrier, Finney, with plans to summit Blackhead Peak. However, he never returned, and his disappearance sparked a search and rescue operation. After ten weeks, a hunter stumbled across Moore's remains about two and a half miles east of the mountain top, with Finney still faithfully by his side, though the dog had lost about half of its body weight.

Delinda Vanne-Brightyn, a member of the rescue group, expressed admiration for Finney's loyalty, stating that it brought tears to their eyes. She had joined the search for Moore with her own certified K9 shepherd, AkioYodasan. The search for Moore was challenging, as the mountain's terrain was steep, and the rescue crews had to be flown in by helicopter. The fact that Moore had gone over the other side of the mountain and not returned to his car, which should have been visible from the peak, defied expectations of lost person behavior, according to Vanne-Brightyn.

The cause of Moore's death has not been released by the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office, which is handling the investigation. However, Vanne-Brightyn believes that Finney survived in the wilderness by drinking from nearby underground streams and capturing small animals for food. The dog was taken into custody by the sheriff's office animal control division before being returned to its other owners.

The loyalty displayed by Finney is not uncommon among dogs, according to certified dog behaviorist and trainer Russell Hartstein. Jack Russell terriers, in particular, are known for their hunting instincts and ability to survive in challenging conditions. There have been previous instances of missing hikers being found deceased with their dogs still by their side, demonstrating the intense loyalty dogs can develop for their owners.

In a similar case last May, a 74-year-old hiker named Donald Hayes went missing in Arizona with his dog, Ranger. Hayes' remains were found almost a week later, and Ranger was alive and assumed to have remained with his owner the entire time. These stories highlight the special bond between humans and their four-legged companions, as well as the resilience and survival instincts of dogs.

This recent incident serves as a reminder of the dangers and challenges of hiking in the mountains, particularly on difficult terrain like Blackhead Peak. It also underscores the importance of being adequately prepared and equipped for such endeavors. While the cause of Moore's death remains unknown, his tragic story serves as a cautionary tale for outdoor enthusiasts.