Having a dog by your side is always a great thing: their instincts are incredible, and you never know when they might be the key to saving the day.
This is exactly what one hiker discovered when he got lost in the mountains and decided to trust a clever stray dog to guide him to safety.
In 2022, an English hiker known as “El Güero Inglés” (“the blond Englishman”) was trekking the renowned Santa Cruz Trek in Huaraz, Peru. The trail is famous for its breathtaking views but can be challenging due to its steep climbs and often snowy, foggy weather conditions.
His journey took a turn when, on day 2, he got separated from his group and had to continue hiking alone, unsure of which direction to take. But just when it seemed like all hope was lost, a stray dog appeared out of the fog.
The dog was friendly and appeared to know the area well, so the hiker chose to follow its lead. “I decided to trust his knowledge of the mountain,” El Güero Inglés shared with the Italian news outlet La Stampa.
The dog guided him, walking at a quick pace but never leaving him behind. They kept moving forward until the hiker spotted a sign for the Punta Unión pass, which was the destination he had been searching for. The clever dog had led him directly to it!
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El Güero Inglés mentioned that the dog stayed with him at the summit, where he rejoined the rest of the group on their tour. The stray dog remained close, seemingly enjoying the stunning views just as much as the hikers.
The dog followed them to their next destination, where they were surprised to encounter another dog. The two dogs stayed with the group as they continued their hike. However, on their final night, the dogs disappeared. El Güero Inglés was saddened that he didn’t get to say goodbye to his loyal companion, but later, at the end of the trail, he spotted the dog outside a coffee shop.
Locals explained that the dogs reside in the nearby villages and often follow tourists during their hikes, almost acting as furry guides. For El Güero Inglés, it was an unforgettable experience, and he appreciated the dog for offering guidance when he needed it most.
“I decided to follow him and he saved me,” he told La Stampa.
What a unique experience it must have been — dogs are such intelligent animals, and we’re so happy this clever stray was there to help guide him to safety!
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