For one Colorado family, a fun-filled drive in the mountains quickly turned tragic. While driving in the Rocky Mountains, Tara Orr was with her mother, Jennifer, and Tara’s pup Bentley, a one-year-old Goldendoodle. It was supposed to be a fun adventure, but while navigating steep mountain roads, they lost control, and their car plummeted down a 600-foot cliff. Tara survived the crash. However, her mom sadly died at the scene. Unfortunately for Bentley, the struggle to survive was just beginning.
A Community Comes Together to Help
Bentley was thrown from the vehicle during the accident and was nowhere to be found. He was last seen running down the hill that the car had tumbled down. Unfortunately, Bentley’s mom was unable to search for him because she was airlifted to a local hospital to receive emergency care.
Locals came together to search for Bentley. They printed flyers and canvassed the area. They even started a Facebook page where people could share tips, words of encouragement and any sightings of sweet Bentley. Their efforts weren’t in vain. After 19 days of living alone in the hills of Colorado, Bentley was miraculously found!
Someone finally spotted him on the hillside and contacted Bentley’s heartbroken mom. She had since returned home in Kansas, but she hadn’t given up hope. Tara flew back to Colorado and managed to find Bentley still roaming the hills.
Two Survivors Reunited
His mom posted a heart-warming video to the Bring Bentley Home Facebook page. Tears fell from her eyes as she clutched Bentley. Her eyes were still black and blue from the accident- a shocking reminder of the reality of the situation.
“I’m just so grateful for everybody who helped… He’s literally laying in my lap,” Bentley’s mom said through tears.
VIDEO: Tara Calls Out to Bentley
BENTLEY HAS BEEN RESCUED!This guy has been what can only be compared to a mountain goat for the past 19 days. After the fatal accident where I lost my mom, Bentley was last seen running down hill from the accident. For the past 3 days he has been spotted far far above the accident site, laying amongst the rocks along the ridge of the mountain. Peering down at the Jeep wreckage, patiently waiting for his family to return. This morning, I left Pueblo, CO at 4:45am and drove the accident site in Buena Vista, CO. Along with a team, we spent hours hiking to the top of said mountain. I have never, and I mean never, done such dangerous and rewarding activity in my entire life. We were able to spot Bentley early in the day, a few hours in, I came within 30-40 feet of him. He wouldn’t come to me, but seemed interested. Eventually his fear got the best of him and he made his way to the ridge (top). I slowly but surely followed him, upon reaching the summit, I could see him watching me. I got close to him, laid down, unpacked some items to eat and a new toy I’d purchased from him. He never moved an inch for over 15 minutes. Eventually I decided to give him some space, back off for a few minutes, and that got his attention. When I came back, him and I slowly altered walking few steps towards each other until finally I was able to convince him to come into my arms. And from then it was nothing but tears and celebration! Bentley is okay, he’s a little malnourished and dehydrated. But otherwise no noticeable injuries. Thank you to everyone who played a role in bringing this sweet boy home. I know the past 19 days, God and my beautiful momma have been keeping an eye on him. GOD IS SO GOOD! ❤️
Posted by Bring Bentley Home on Saturday, August 25, 2018
Bentley made his way back home to Kansas, dehydrated and malnourished. He was welcomed home with signs in his yard and clusters of balloons. His family was so thankful to have their baby back!
“Bentley is settling back in as if he never left! He’s as goofy, fun, and as sweet as ever. The resilience of dogs will never fail to impress me. His eating, drinking, and digestion quickly returned to normal. Health-wise, he seemed to have no injuries whatsoever–a true miracle.”