In a real-life display of loyalty and courage, an elderly woman who vanished from her senior living facility in Tuolumne County, California, was found alive thanks to her small dog, Poncho, who later pulled a vanishing act of his own.
85-year-old Barbara Crosby, who suffers from dementia, was reported missing early Saturday morning. A Silver Alert was issued, and emergency crews began an extensive search in and around the Sonora area. But hope was quickly fading until a chance sighting changed everything.
A Community United by a Loyal Hero
Barbara was reported missing on Saturday, August 23, prompting a Silver Alert. Search and Rescue (SAR) teams mobilized swiftly, scanning the hills near Sonora, California, but hours passed with no sign of her or her devoted companion.
Late Sunday evening, just as crews were preparing to pause the search for the night, a local resident, Brett Christopher, spotted a small dog, Poncho, near East Bald Mountain Road, around 9 p.m. Leaping into action, crews followed Poncho’s direction.
“He looked as if he was saying, ‘Follow me,’” Christopher shared. “Those emergency alerts are what really saved her life.”
Searchers traced Poncho down a steep 70-foot embankment, where he was found hidden under brush. Nearby lay Barbara, asleep and vulnerable. With care and urgency, SAR teams used a rope-and-litter system to rescue her and transport her to a waiting ambulance.
The Search Continues for the Little Hero
In the rush to save Barbara, Poncho slipped away and vanished into the night. Rescue crews continued their efforts into Monday, August 25, as residents reported occasional sightings. Unfortunately, Poncho still wasn’t secured.
Then, late Tuesday, a wave of relief: Poncho was found safe, about two miles from the rescue site. Though dehydrated, he was evaluated by a veterinarian and cared for by Tuolumne County Animal Control. He’s now doing well and will soon be reunited with Barbara.
