Loyal dog found keeping guard over owner’s body two days after he froze to death in snow

A loyal dog stood guard over her dying owner and desperately tried to keep him warm as he froze to death in the snow.

David Deshon, 69, tragically died after his car got stuck in the snow, with his body being found on Saturday, January 30.

Mr Deshon had tried to walk home with his two pets Baby Dog and Buddy after his vehicle got stuck in the snow at mile marker 19 on Mosquito Ridge Road, east of Foresthill and Michigan Bluff in Placer County, California, US.

His vehicle was located under several feet of snow on Thursday, January 28, but Mr Deshon was not there.

Police officers had responded to the scene following reports of a person in distress but were unable to find Mr Deshon following a search.

His body was tragically found on Saturday alongside his beloved pet Baby Dog, who had stayed on his chest in a desperate attempt to keep its owner warm.

“He didn’t die alone. He didn’t die alone at all,” said David’s daughter, Shona. “He tried to hike up 200 feet that way and decided (to) and came back.

“You can see his tracks in the snow.

“And Baby Dog stayed with him. (He was) on his chest to keep him warm.”

When rescuers arrived at the scene, the dog is reported to have not let them near Mr Deshon, and officers had to fetch a neighbour who knew the animal.

David’s other dog, Buddy, was later found at a neighbour’s home. Both have been taken to the Placer County Animal Services facility in Auburn.

Buddy is being treated with antibiotics and will be put up for adoption once he comes off them.

But Mr Deshon’s family says Baby Dog is suffering from a broken heart.

Shona added: “I just feel like I need to take Baby Dog because he is part of my dad now.

“I got to tell my dad goodbye and that I loved him and kissed him.”