A missing hiker from Maine was found alive just a short distance from her deceased husband, a discovery that officials attribute to the couple’s faithful dog, which likely kept her warm during the cold nights.
John Helmstadter, 82, and Pamela Helmstadter, 72, decided to take a stroll with their dogs on Sunday, October 13, in a wooded area near their Alexander home, when things took a dire turn, as reported by NBC News.
The situation became tragic when the couple left the designated path and John suffered a fall.
Unable to stand, the couple did not have cellphones to seek assistance.
Lost within the thick forest area, Pamela attempted to find help but reportedly became ‘disoriented’ and was unable to find her way back, according to a statement by Maine Game Wardens.
A search operation was initiated to find the couple after a worried neighbor sounded the alarm.
Following four distressing nights in the wilderness, during which Pamela and John faced harsh cold conditions, Maine Game Wardens and their search dogs discovered the missing pair just over a mile from their residence.
Sadly, John was found deceased at the location, while Pamela, just 200 yards away, was discovered alive but in a state of severe hypothermia.
The dog was found vigilant and beside her, which led rescuers to suspect that the pet had played a crucial role in preserving her warmth amidst freezing temperatures that dropped to as low as 26 degrees Fahrenheit at night, as per Accuweather.
Maine Game Wardens noted: “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, suggested that the dog may have saved her life.
Wardens observed that the dog was very protective of Pamela, seen resting on her chest.
Sergeant Josh Beal of the Maine Warden Service explained to Portland station WMTW: “It sounds like that’s what the dog would do at night, as well, to help keep her warm.”
Sgt Beal also mentioned that the dog likely contributed to saving Pamela’s life.
The 72-year-old was taken to a hospital for evaluation and later shared with authorities that she had lost hope of being rescued until she heard the Warden Service Airplane flying overhead five times on Thursday.
The Helmstadters’ neighbor had informed authorities after noticing a package that had been brought into the porch was still there the next day, and when one of their dogs returned home without them.
Pamela is reportedly recovering from the harrowing experience.