Loyal dog disappeared after leading rescuers to her missing 85-year-old owner — two days later, the search led to a stunning discovery

Survival came not from luck, but from a faithful dog’s devotion.

PUBLISHED 8 HOURS AGO

(L) Two police officers, (R) Senior woman and her dog. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) kali9, (R) PeopleImages)

In moments of crisis, help can come in surprising ways, sometimes even on four legs. That was the case in a recent story from California, where a community came together to find a missing elderly woman. As reported by PEOPLE, it was a dog’s loyalty, paired with alert residents and fast-acting rescue teams, that helped bring a potentially tragic situation to a safe ending. But the story didn’t unfold all at once and took a different turn when the owner's pet went missing.

A female police officer. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | kali9)

Barbara Crosby, 85, and her dog Poncho were reported missing from Sonora, California, at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The Tuolumne County Search and Rescue (SAR) teams launched their search shortly after, covering the area all weekend. By late Sunday night, August 24, crews were preparing to pause their efforts until morning. Just then, SAR members spoke with residents nearby, who mentioned spotting a dog that matched Poncho’s description. One local, Brett Christopher, told KCRA he saw the dog around 9 p.m. that night while returning from a family dinner. “That dog being tied to the missing person is why we stopped,” he said. “Honestly, those emergency alerts are what really saved her life.”

A dog hiding under some plants. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Alexey Izotov)

Using community sightings and tips, searchers followed a trail that led them to a steep 70-foot embankment off the road. Crews made their way down and found Poncho hiding under some brush. Shortly after, just a little farther on, they located Crosby lying on the ground, asleep. The rescue team used a stokes litter and rope system to move Crosby back up the embankment to safety. She was then handed off to medical personnel and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite her condition and risk of dementia, Crosby was alive and stable, but Poncho had bolted again before rescuers could retrieve him.

A worried-looking older woman in the hospital. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Ridofranz)

The story took another positive turn days later. Although Poncho remained missing through Monday, August 25, locals reported spotting him again. On Tuesday, August 26, the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the loyal dog had been found. “He is dehydrated, but otherwise in good health. We are pleased that Poncho and Barbara will be reunited after their ordeal,” a department representative told PEOPLE. After two days of uncertainty, both dog and owner were safe, a relief to rescuers, neighbors, and everyone who followed their journey.

The bond between owners and their pet dogs is indescribable, and the furry companions often step up in ways no one expects. In a recent incident, a heroic Pit Bull helped save the lives of its owners in Pittsburgh. On July 29, 2025, the dog ran through heavy traffic to get help after its two owners became unresponsive in a tent encampment. A local man noticed the Pit Bull barking and trying to get his attention. Sensing something was wrong, he followed the dog to a remote spot where he discovered the two owners lying unconscious. He called 911, and emergency responders arrived quickly. Thanks to the dog’s actions, both owners were taken to the hospital in time.