Dogs Stay With Owner For 3 Weeks After Death

November 6, 2007

COLORADO SPRINGS – The body of a Colorado man who went missing in September was found late last month, guarded by his two dogs.

Gary Lorenz of Cotopaxi and his golden retrievers Pippin and Merry were the subject of a 100 person manhunt after they didn't return from an ATV outing.

Lorenz was found by a hunter on Oct. 20th – the dogs are said to have been lying next to his body. Officials say Lorenz died after four days of exposure, but the dogs miraculously survived.

It is unknown how Lorenz became stranded, but KMGH-TV in Denver reported that he had Alzheimer's disease.

His three year-old dogs lost about nine pounds during their ordeal. They were emaciated and dehydrated, but are otherwise Ok.

Lorenz's family said during the manhunt they occasionally heard dogs barking but thought it was coming from a neighbor's house.

The barking was likely from Merry and Pippen – since the two and their master were found just four miles from the Lorenz's ranch.

Daughter Deanna Lorenz said that ever since getting the dogs back, it's like they got a piece of their dad back. He was very close with Merry and Pippen.

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