The couple had been missing for four days before officials finally tracked them down
A missing hiker from Maine was miraculously found alive just yards away from her deceased husband, which officials think is thanks to the couple’s loyal furry companion keeping her warm throughout the freezing nights.
John Helmstadter, 82, and Pamela Helmstadter, 72, went for an autumnal walk with their dogs on Sunday, October 13, in a wooded area near their home in Alexander when disaster struck, according to NBC News.
The trail turned to tragedy when the couple ventured off the beaten track and John fell.
He was unable to get up, and the pair didn’t have cellphones to call for help.
Lost in the maze of dense woodland, Pamela went to get help but reportedly became ‘disoriented’ and ‘could not get home’, Maine Game Wardens said in a statement.
A search party was launched for the married couple after a concerned neighbor raised the alarm.
After four agonizing nights in the woods, where Pamela and John endured harsh and bitter conditions, Maine Game Wardens and warden K9s found the missing hikers just more than a mile from their home.
Tragically, John was discovered dead at the scene – and just 200 yards away, Pamela was miraculously found alive, but severely hypothermic.
The dog was found alert and by her side, leading rescuers to believe the couple’s furry friend had kept her warm amid the freezing temperatures which plummeted as low as 26 degrees Fahrenheit at night, according to Accuweather.
Maine Game Wardens said: “Pamela was found severely hypothermic but alert with her dog by her side.
“Her body temperature was 90.7 when she was found, but she was able to discuss what had occurred.”
Mark Latti, Communications Director for the Maine Department for Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, said the pooch potentially saved her life.
Wardens said the dog was very protective of Pamela and could be seen lying on top of her chest.
Sergeant Josh Beal of the Maine Waren Service told Portland station WMTW: “It sounds like that’s what the dog would do at night, as well, to help keep her warm.”
Sgt Beal added that the dog likely helped to save Pamela’s life.
The 72-year-old was transported to hospital for observation, and later told the authorities that she had given up hope of being found alive until she heard the Warden Service Airplane circling overhead five times on Thursday.
The Helmstadter’s neighbor had alerted authorities after realizing a package she had brought into the porch was in the same place the next day – and when one dog had returned home without them.
Pamela is now reportedly recovering from the traumatic incident.