A Teenage Boy Has a Dog to Thank For Saving His Life

Dogs have always been described as man’s best friend and routinely do things to show that they are more than deserved of the nickname. Whether it is fending off would-be robbers, protecting their owners from attackers or anything in between, dogs are amazing. However, what the dog did in this story you are about to read is something truly unbelievable.

Our story begins in Mexico at a summer camp in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, a beautiful place. While on a walk with his group, 14-year-old Juan Trevino wandered off from his group to search for some firewood. Now, anyone who has ever done group hikes or attended a camp in an area like this knows that it is important to stick together or at least have a buddy. The reason for this is so you aren’t alone if you get lost or injured.

Well, while on the search, the unthinkable happened as Juan actually slipped and fell down a ravine, and injured himself in the process and quickly became disoriented and had no idea where to go or what to do. I can’t even imagine the fear in his mind as he was alone, hurt and far away from his camp group. But,as he would soon find out, he was not alone.

Earlier during his time at the camp, Juan befriended a Labrador Retriever named Max. And apparently, Max was actually following Juan through the entire walk, fall, and disorientation. Together, Juan and Max went off on a journey in search of their campsite and group. When they were unable to find the camp during the day, and not wanting to venture too far in the dark, the two decided to take shelter for the night. Juan said the two embraced and kept each other warm and safe for the night.

When the morning came, the two once again began their journey home. While they were going through some especially rough terrain, Max actually led Juan to a puddle for some water. Not only did this allow for each to get a much-needed drink, it gave them a good place to take a little break from their trek and relax. Eventually, after 44 hours missing with nothing but a selfless dog beside him, Juan Trevino (along with Max) was found and was finally airlifted to safety.

Authorities were fairly shocked to find him alive as that area of the mountain range is very easy to get lost in and gets extremely cold at night because it is so high up. There is a very good chance that if Max wasn’t around to save the day, Juan could have passed away. He was extremely lucky that Max had followed him that day.

The Trevino family was so inspired and grateful for what Max did, they actually wanted to adopt the precious pup. But as it turned out, he already had a home in the area. At least every child at the camp going forward knows they have a guardian dog on duty.

The moral of this story is that we simply don’t deserve dogs and all the love and goodness they bring to the world and the people in it.