Dog Trapped for 16-Hours in Flooded Gully Miraculously Found Alive

Texas Ranch Dog Trapped in Flood Survives 16-Hour Ordeal Thanks to GPS and a Determined Search

Dog ownership is often a source of joy, but for Erin Dogouet, a ranch owner in Texas, it became a moment of fear and heartache when her loyal livestock guardian, Ziva, suddenly went missing. The disappearance happened during a period of intense flooding while Erin was out of state visiting Colorado, leaving her beloved Kangal dog in the care of her sister, Shannon, and pet sitter, Taelyn.

At first, everything seemed normal. Ziva, known for her strength and devotion, was doing her usual patrols around the ranch. But trouble struck when she likely detected a wild animal nearby and ventured off toward the far edge of the property near the Medina River. The timing couldn’t have been worse. Floodwaters were rising fast, and Ziva found herself trapped in a deep gully. With steep, muddy banks on all sides and floodwaters blocking her retreat, she had no way out.

For a harrowing 16 hours, Ziva remained stranded—cold, wet, and motionless. Thanks to the GPS collar she wore, Erin was able to monitor her location in real time from hundreds of miles away. But what alarmed her most was that Ziva’s signal hadn’t moved in hours. Fearing the worst, Erin immediately contacted Shannon and Taelyn, who wasted no time rushing to the scene.

Their search wasn’t easy. The terrain was slick, the gully filled with mud and debris, and water levels were still dangerously high. But their determination paid off. They finally spotted Ziva, huddled and struggling, too exhausted to climb the bank. With great care, they pulled her from the gully, bringing her to safety.

Back home, Ziva was covered in mud and clearly worn out—but miraculously, she had escaped without a single injury. She was simply exhausted and fell into a deep sleep that lasted ten hours, her body finally able to rest after the traumatic experience.

For Erin, the rescue was an emotional moment of relief and gratitude. Ziva’s safe return highlighted the incredible value of GPS collars, the loyalty of a dog, and the dedication of those who love her. This unforgettable ordeal only deepened the unbreakable bond between a rancher and her brave protector.

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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.