Missing puppy survives ordeal in relatively good health

WELLINGTON – Banjo, the Siberian shepherd found after being lost six weeks in the Poudre Canyon, was emaciated and about 25 pounds lighter, but in otherwise good health.

That was the conclusion Dr. Chad Zadina of Tabby Road Animal Clinic came to Tuesday after examining the 9-month-old puppy.

The dog, owned by the Hill family of Glacier View Meadows in Livermore, went missing after she and “her boy” Bradeden, fell into the Poudre River while hiking near the Crystal Wall climbing area June 13.

She was found in Estes Park and returned to her elated family on Friday, dirty, smelly and skinny, but alive, said Donna Hill, Braeden’s mother.

How Banjo survived and ended up in Estes Park is unknown. She’s still a bit skittish but getting more comfortable day by day, Hill said during Banjo’s vet visit.

Banjo happily gobbled up medicine to prevent worms, fleas and ticks from the hand of a Tabby Road veterinarian technician. Zadina also chipped the dog for easy identification if she ever goes missing again. But it’s not likely Banjo will ever be far from her family’s sight.

“No more hiking and no more swimming,” Hill said, fighting back tears while telling Banjo’s story one more time.

Northern Colorado residents rallied around Banjo and the Hills, keeping a look out in the canyon, providing moral support to the family and helping search for the missing pup.

“We are just so grateful to everyone,” for helping bring Banjo back home, Hill said.

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