Before the Accident
Sam had always dreamed of having a dog and brought Bentley, a Goldendoodle, home shortly after returning from studying abroad. Bentley quickly became Sam’s faithful companion, accompanying her on adventures and forming a strong bond with her and her family.
The Tragic Accident
During a family trip in August 2018, tragedy struck when their Jeep went off a mountain road in Colorado. Sam’s mother, Jennifer, tragically lost her life in the accident, and Bentley was believed to be lost as well.
Hope Against the Odds
Despite the devastating loss, Sam and her family held onto hope that Bentley had survived the accident. They launched a search effort, enlisting the help of volunteers and utilizing social media to spread the word about Bentley’s disappearance.
Bentley’s Miraculous Survival
After 19 days of uncertainty, a breakthrough came when a man named Joe spotted Bentley near the accident site. Bentley had survived on his own in the mountains, hunting rock mice for food and staying close to the Jeep, waiting for his family’s return.
The Emotional Reunion
Sam embarked on a challenging hike to reach Bentley, who was initially hesitant to approach her. Using techniques for handling dogs in survival mode, Sam was eventually able to coax Bentley into her arms, marking an emotional reunion between dog and owner.
Recovery and Adjustment
Despite being dehydrated and malnourished, Bentley was otherwise unharmed. He quickly settled back into life with Sam and her family, but their joy was tempered by the loss of Jennifer. Sam honored her mother’s memory by welcoming a new fur baby named Buena into the family.
Bentley’s journey is a testament to the resilience of dogs and the power of love and determination. His survival against the odds brought hope and healing to Sam and her family during a time of profound loss.
