Full Breakdown
Lost Dog Rocky Rescued After 43 Days in the Colorado Wilderness
2/24/2026, 4:57:09 AM
The Disappearance and Initial Search Efforts
Rocky, a 10-year-old brindled mutt, went missing in the Rocky Mountains after escaping from his harness while his owners, Steven Maa and his girlfriend Kate, were on a ski break in Montezuma, Colorado, on December 28. The couple had been moving from New Jersey to Los Angeles when Rocky bolted into the wilderness during a snowstorm. After a frantic search that lasted until 3 a.m., they enlisted the help of Summit Lost Pet Rescue, a local nonprofit with a 99 percent success rate in recovering lost dogs.
Search Strategies and Challenges
Summit Lost Pet Rescue implemented a strategic plan that included setting up remotely monitored cameras and a "scent station" with items familiar to Rocky. Despite these efforts, Rocky remained elusive. Three days into the search, cameras captured a glimpse of him, but he did not recognize Maa and ran away. As the days turned into weeks, the search team faced increasing challenges, including the harsh winter conditions and the emotional toll on Rocky's owners. By early February, Summit began to wind down its search efforts, citing low probabilities of success.
The Breakthrough and Rescue
On February 9, a Ring doorbell camera caught sight of Rocky, prompting Summit's founder, Brandon Ciullo, to set a trap using Maa's clothes and food as bait. After several attempts, Rocky finally triggered the trap, but not before showing signs of distress, including howling in the woods. Ciullo expressed his determination to stay until Rocky was found, stating, “I’m not leaving this godd*** mountain until this dog is in the back of my truck.”
When Rocky was finally rescued, he weighed only 28 pounds, significantly less than his usual weight, yet he exhibited surprising energy and spirit. Ciullo remarked on Rocky's resilience, noting, “We couldn’t believe that this dog that hasn’t probably eaten in 43 days had this much energy and this much life to him.”
Reunification and Community Support
On February 13, Maa traveled from California to reunite with Rocky, expressing disbelief and joy at his survival. He stated, “We were just so overjoyed… and just [in] disbelief that he could survive for that long.” Following the reunion, Rocky appeared to have no lasting effects from his ordeal, quickly returning to his affectionate nature.
Summit Lost Pet Rescue publicly thanked their community and volunteers for their dedication, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to save lost pets. The organization highlighted the importance of community support in such rescues, stating, “It takes partnership, a village, and donations to save lost pets.”
Conclusion
Rocky's remarkable survival and eventual rescue after 43 days in the wilderness underscore the effectiveness of community involvement and strategic rescue efforts in locating lost pets. The story serves as a testament to the resilience of animals and the dedication of those who work tirelessly to bring them home.
