On one of the coldest weeks of February in Alaska, Madera, a completely blind 11-year-old Labrador Retriever was returned home after two weeks in cold temperatures dropping as low as 40 degrees below zero, according to Fox News.
Madera went blind from an autoimmune disease and wandered away after being let out to go to the bathroom; her guardian, Ed Davis, explained that she normally returns back inside right after. Davis said, “My best hope was to find a frozen dog."
Madera was found a half-mile from home by cyclist Constantine Khrulev, after hearing a whine from the dog. It’s assumed that Madera whined after she heard the bell from his bike. Khrulev was offered a reward of $100 dollars but told Davis to instead donate the money to the Fairbanks Animal Shelter, touched by this gesture Davis increased the amount to $250.
Madera returned back to her owner healthy, but had lost 14 pounds while out on her own.
We are so glad you are home safe and sound, Madera!