Pitbull Loyalty: Dog Guards Owners’ Bodies for Four Days Amid Snowstorm in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Chamba, Himachal Pradesh – A story of unwavering loyalty from the snow-covered hills of Chamba has touched hearts across India. Amid the tragic deaths of two young brothers, their pet dog remained vigil beside their lifeless bodies for four days, braving freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall.

Tragic Incident in the Hills
On 23 January, 19-year-old Vikas Rana from Ghared and his 13-year-old cousin Piyush from Malkota set out for a visit to the revered Bharamani Mata Temple. Accompanying them was Piyush’s beloved dog, considered part of the family. The brothers carried camping equipment to shoot videos in the temple’s upper region, but the weather turned treacherous. Heavy snow, blizzards, and sub-zero temperatures soon left them stranded in the mountains.

Last Contact and Rescue Efforts
In their final evening conversation with family, the boys assured that they were safe. After that, all contact was lost. For four days, the administration, police, army, and Air Force conducted search operations. Drones flew overhead and helicopters scouted the area, but the mountains remained silent. Amid this silence, a miracle—or the embodiment of loyalty—emerged.

The Dog’s Vigil
When the rescue team finally reached the site, they discovered the dog shivering in the snow, refusing to leave the side of his owners’ bodies. For four days and nights, without food or water, the dog remained steadfast, eyes fixed as if waiting for his owners to rise. Piyush’s body was first found near a tree on the hillside. To safely recover the body, the dog was sedated before being moved. Later, Vikas’s body was retrieved from a nearby ravine. The dog was rescued alive and reunited with the family.

Authorities Confirm and Appreciate Efforts
BJP MLA Janak Raj from Bharmaur confirmed the recovery of both bodies. Chamba DC Mukesh Repswal expressed gratitude to the local administration, Air Force, police, mountaineering teams, and villagers for their support during this challenging rescue operation. A rescue team member remarked that timely assistance might have saved the boys’ lives.

This extraordinary story of loyalty and love has captivated the nation, reminding us of the deep bonds between humans and their animal companions, even in the harshest conditions.