Heartwarming Tearjerker of the Day: Last December, Barbara Bagley, her husband Brad Vom Baur, and their two Shetland sheepdogs Delaney and Dooley were involved in a single-vehicle accident off Interstate 80 near Battle Mountain, Nevada.
Delaney died instantly, and Vom Baur was critically wounded. Bagley suffered a concussion, broken bones, and punctured lungs, but survived. Dooley’s condition, however, was unknown.
The sheltie had run away from the scene of the crash, disappearing without a trace.
After she regained strength enough to begin a proper search, Bagley helped organize a volunteer party to comb northeastern Nevada for her beloved pet.
On January 6th, Bagley received word that dog remains were spotted near the crash site. Later that day, her husband succumbed to his injuries.
“It was a horrible day for me,” Bagley said. “But something inside me told me Dooley was still alive out there. I wasn’t 100% sure, but I didn’t grieve for Dooley like I did for my husband and our other dog.”
She was right: After 53 days in the wilderness, Dooley was found.
The resourceful pooch had sustained himself on roadkill and whatever water he could unearth. He lost 24 pounds, and had a bird bone stuck in his throat, but was otherwise okay.
“I was overjoyed that I was going to have him back in my life,” Bagley said. ” I think he felt the same about me.”
She reports that Dooley is now well on the road to recovering his lost weight, and is slowly but surely getting back to his normal routine.
Bagley credits Dooley with providing her with the “physical and mental affection” she needs to recover from her tremendous loss. ”I owe him so much for the hope I have now and the renewed faith I have in prayer,” she says. “Dogs are so great because of their unconditional love.”
[usatoday.]
Tagged: Barbara Bagley, doggeh, Heartwarming Tearjerker 
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