German Shepherd Guards Her Owner for 6 Weeks After He Dies
In an amazing display of loyalty, officials now believe a German shepherd dog stayed at her master’s side for six weeks after the man had killed himself out on the prairie.The dog, “Cash,” was found alive Sunday, next to the body of her master, Jake Baysinger, 25, a resident of La Salle before his life ended on the Pawnee National Grassland.When Baysinger was first reported missing and suicidal on June 28, the Weld County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive search on land and by airplane, but they were unable to locate Baysinger or his pickup. Undersheriff Margie Martinez said the pickup was found Sunday near the body, but it was in an area that was difficult to see from the road or air. The Pawnee National Grasslands contains almost 200,000 acres — about one-quarter the size of Rhode Island. He was found near the intersection of Weld County Road 73 and 104, northwest of Briggsdale.
The sheriff’s office and Weld County Coroner’s Office said the body may have been there for six weeks, and the dog stayed close by. There was evidence the dog ate mice and rabbits, officials said.The body was found Sunday because a rancher saw the dog and went to investigate, finding Baysinger’s body. Baysinger’s gun lay nearby, and it’s believe he shot himself.
On Monday, Sara Baysinger, the victim’s wife, took Cash home with her from the Humane Society of Weld County shelter. “At least we know it’s over now,” Sara Baysinger said. “We’d been looking for my husband for six weeks, and this isn’t how we wanted it to end, at least we can close this.”Sara Baysinger has a 2-year-old son, Lane, who was happy to see Cash come home. “He’s very close to that dog,” Sara Baysinger said. “He’s very happy to see (Cash).”
The dog was friendly when found, although she was thin and dehydrated, deputies said. She was checked at the humane society, and Baysinger said she had their own vet check the dog, also.Investigators also said the dog probably protected her master’s body by keeping coyotes away.
Sara Baysinger of La Salle sits with Cash, the family’s 3-year-old German shepherd who was rescued Sunday and taken to the Humane Society of Weld County. Baysinger said that Cash is in surprisingly good health considering the six weeks she survived on her own. Photo by Sara Loven Greeley Tribune
I saw this earlier and I think it’s amazing! That’s what is so wonderful about these dogs – they are the most loyal and intelligent dogs I know. Schumi is only three months and already he’s showing major signs of loyalty. Love it!