Dog Stays by Dead Owner's Side for Days in the Arizona Wilderness Before Getting Rescued

“I feel terrible for what that dog endured," an observer noted

Arizona authorities said they rescued a small dog who refused to leave its dead owner's side.

The dog was rescued by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (CCSO SAR) after they received a tip that the dog was spotted in the Arizona wilderness on July 6, 12 News reports.

“The sweet little pup is currently at a shelter,” CCSO SAR wrote in a Facebook post. “This is not the first time rescue teams saved pets that stayed with their owner.”

Rescuers still aren’t sure how the dog and its deceased owner got there, but the dog stayed near its owner's vehicle. The dog had been there for a while, but authorities are unsure exactly how long, 12 News reports.

The remote area where the rescuers found the dog was several miles from Muleshoe Ranch, CCSO SAR wrote on Facebook.

When the rescuers arrived, the dog ran away, making it difficult for them to assist the animal. However, they eventually caught up with the dog and took it to a shelter.

CCSO SAR's post included photos of team members helping with rescue efforts, as well as pictures of them with the little grey pup.

“This truly shows the devotion and love a pet has for their person,” CCSO SAR continued. “Thank You team for rescuing this small pup.”

The dog owner's cause of death has not been released. 

A man named John Merten wrote in the comment section that he came across the dog hours before the rescue team came. He said he tried approaching the scared animal. 

”He seemed to be in good shape,” Merten wrote. “I feel terrible for what that dog endured.”

The man said he left the dog a sandwich and some water.

Others in the comment section offered their prayers and condolences for the family of the dog's owner, while also asking if the pup would be put up for adoption.