In McCleary, Washington, a harrowing ordeal unfolded when “Puppy,” a hefty 150-pound Great Pyrenees, mysteriously disappeared, leaving his owner, Karen James, in a state of despair.

Two agonizing days of searching led the James family to turn to Three Retrievers Lost Pet Rescue, where a rookie Search and Rescue dog named Tino embarked on a mission that would prove to be extraordinary.

Puppy’s disappearance triggered a frantic search, with Three Retrievers Lost Pet Rescue introducing Tino to the rescue operation. It was a pivotal moment for the young search dog.

The trail to find Puppy led them to a muddy ravine less than a mile from Tino’s own home, where he had eagerly followed the adventurous pup. There, amidst the muck, only Puppy’s head remained visible, a testament to his struggle for survival.

Rescuing Puppy required the combined efforts of three dedicated rescuers, who successfully extracted him from the treacherous mud. Three Retrievers Lost Pet Rescue proudly declared on Facebook, “Tino did a terrific job today, finding this old dog stranded in the muck.”

Puppy’s ordeal could have been far worse had he been immobilized in the freezing muck for hours, especially if his hind legs had initially failed to function. The vast, forested wilderness stretched for miles, making it nearly impossible for Puppy’s family to locate him without the assistance of a search dog.

When Puppy was finally reunited with his elated family at their home, the joy and relief were tangible. He was gently placed in a wagon, safe and sound. Karen James shared with Fox 13, “He couldn’t get out of the muck. Since he was sufficiently off the path, we would have missed him. And you know there’s acres and acres of wilderness out there to search. Otherwise, we would have never found him.”

This remarkable rescue marked a significant milestone in Tino’s career, representing his first successful “walk-up find” after 16 months of rigorous training with Three Retrievers Lost Pet Rescue. It was undoubtedly a moment of triumph and a testament to the dedication and skills of both Tino and the rescue team.

Puppy’s story is a testament to the power of hope, perseverance, and the unwavering dedication of rescue teams like Three Retrievers Lost Pet Rescue. It also showcases the remarkable abilities of search and rescue dogs like Tino, whose training and commitment save lives and reunite families with their beloved pets.