Ranger, a Labrador-mix, was found in a serious condition after refusing to leave his owner when the pair got lost on a hiking trip in Arizona, US.


Ranger, the Labrador mix, stayed with owner Donald Hayes to the bitter end

A loyal dog who stayed beside his owner when they were lost during a hike expedition. His body was later recovered, and the dog was rescued six days after.

Donald Hayes, 74, went missing on Mingus Mountain in Prescott National Forest, Arizona, last Friday.

Mr Hayes called the forest patrol team to raise the alarm and was told rescuers were en route and to stay where he was.

But he chose not to wait and tried to find his own way out, turning his mobile phone off to conserve the battery.

The hiker’s body was discovered on Wednesday afternoon in a rugged area that was difficult to reach, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) said in a statement.

Mr Hayes’ dog, a Labrador-mix named Ranger, was found in a serious condition suffering severe dehydration and exhaustion.

He was first given fluids and oxygen before being brought to the vet.

Now a fundraising campaign has been launched to pay for Ranger’s veterinary bills.

The GoFundMe page was set up by search and rescue volunteer Dondi West, who wrote: “We hope to pay the veterinary bills to ease the pain of the family tragedy and help in Ranger’s recovery.

“Your donation is the start of his return to health. “

So far the fundraiser has accumulated more than half its $5,000 target.

Mr Hayes will receive additional funds to cover Ranger’s critical needs.

One person donated the following: “What loyal dogs. The canine stayed with its master until the very end. “

The Mingus Mountain region has elevations of up to 7,800 feet, according to the US Forest Service.

Search and rescue teams spent six days searching for Mr Hayes.

Sheriff David Rhodes stated: “I want to thank the volunteers who searched for the victim and brought him home.

“Our searchers utilised every tool at their disposal to find Mr Hayes and never gave up.

” Our condolences to the Hayes family and that we wish it could have turned out differently. “