Doug Wickersheim had just been reunited with a 2-year-old pit bull named Dozer when he lost him. He and his wife were returning to Arizona from Colorado on March 12 after fetching Dozer from their grandson, who had been caring for the dog for 10 months during a move, when they were separated again.
It was snowing and raining as they made their way along southbound Interstate 17 near Stoneman Lake. Their vehicle began to hydroplane and crashed. Wickersheim and his wife were knocked out, and when they awoke, Dozer and the couple’s other two dogs, a chihuahua and a 13-year-old pit bull, were missing.
Two of the dogs returned when called, but not Dozer. For two weeks, Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers searched for Dozer. One found him, but the spooked dog ran away again.
A heartbroken Wickersheim, who had been separated from Dozer for about 10 months during the move, feared his pal was lost for good.
“I’ve had him since he was born,” he told the newspaper. “He is my best friend.”
Troopers continued to receive calls about sightings of Dozer, according to a press release. Some even went out on their lunch breaks. They called in the Central Arizona Search and Rescue for help.
On Monday, a volunteer found Dozer in a trap that had been set by the search and rescue group, news station KPHO reported. He had some frostbite on his nose and ears and was 20 pounds lighter and exhausted, but otherwise was “in good spirits,” the news release said.
Trooper Randi Wybron, who “spent a lot of time and energy searching for Dozer,” and one of the volunteers returned the dog to Wickersheim, according to the release.
Wickersheim could barely contain his joy.
“I wanted to cry,” he told the Arizona Republic.
Dozer’s adopted mother is taking good care of him.
“She keeps licking his face where his burn is,” Wickersheim told the newspaper. “She goes outside with him to make sure he is OK.”
The Department of Public Safety said Dozer’s return to his human family is proof that patience pays off.
“Great work troopers and Central Arizona Animal Search and Rescue,” the news release said.
Watch the reunion here:
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