Hiker and dog survive month in Washington national park

In August 2023, Robert Schock, 39, became lost in the Northern Cascades National Park in the United States, accompanied only by his dog, Freddy. After attempting to traverse the Chilliwack River Trail, Schock did not realize that parts of the trail were closed due to past wildfires, which hindered his navigation. As days passed, his situation worsened, leading him to instruct Freddy to find their way home on the third day, highlighting his deteriorating condition. Schock was ultimately immobile near the riverbank for nearly two weeks, close to death by the time of his rescue. Rescue efforts included air searches conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, which initially failed to locate him. However, on August 4, Freddy was discovered eight miles off their intended path, and a subsequent cry for help from Schock was heard by a PNTA crew, leading to his recovery. The situation was dire; he recounted feeling extremely weak and having lost control of his bodily functions before finally shouting for help. When found, Schock was unwell and dehydrated but alive, attributed to a combination of survival instincts and some access to water. His dog had survived alone and was also rescued. The PNTA Executive Director stated that Schock likely had only one more day left without rescue. Following the incident, Schock was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment, where he expressed great gratitude towards those who found him, emphasizing the grave risk his situation posed in the wilderness without proper supplies or knowledge.