In the freezing silence of the Himalayas, amid knee-deep snow and near-zero visibility, loyalty refused to die.
For four harrowing days, a brown-and-white dog stood guard beside the snow-covered body of its 13-year-old owner, Piyush Kumar, refusing to leave even as temperatures plunged and food ran out. Piyush and his 19-year-old cousin, Viksit Rana, had gone missing while trekking to the Bharmani Mata Temple on January 23. What began as a routine hike and video-shooting trip turned fatal in the unforgiving terrain of Chamba.
Army Spots Deceased Body
Their bodies were finally spotted by Army helicopters during an aerial search operation. When rescue teams reached the remote spot, they were met with a heartbreaking sight the exhausted dog, weak from hunger and cold, still standing vigil beside Piyush’s body.
Rescue videos shows Army personnel and local teams moving slowly through thick, blinding snow, approaching the animal with care. Despite its frailty, the dog remained alert and protective, unwilling to abandon its young owner even in death.
Local reports, including those cited by The Tribune, confirmed that the dog belonged to Piyush and had stayed with him throughout the ordeal.
Dog Rescued
As the rescuers gently secured the animal, the moment laid bare a bond beyond words one of unwavering loyalty, love and loss.
