California Dad ‘Didn’t Die Alone,’ Loyal Dog Stood Guard Until Rescuers Arrived

It’s an unspoken rule among dogs that first and foremost, they must protect their pack leader. While pack leaders may be other dogs in the wild, when it comes to our own furry friends, the pack leader is you. Dogs are fiercely loyal, putting aside their own safety and well-being to protect those they love – from small acts of quiet support to life-saving gestures, their loyalty doesn’t go unnoticed.
When 69-year-old dad David Deshon didn’t return home, he was reported missing. The snow in California made the roads dangerous, and two days after Deshon was reported missing, deputies made a heartbreaking discovery – roughly 100 yards from his neighbor’s home, Deshon had succumbed to the elements.
Through the tragedy of losing her dad, Shona Deshon took solace in one vital thing – “He didn’t die alone,” she told WLOX. “He didn’t die alone at all.”
For two days Deshon’s dog stayed with him, sitting on his chest to keep him warm. Without any regard for his own discomfort, Baby Dog had protected his human to the best of his ability. Even when deputies arrived, Baby Dog stood his ground, unaware that the officers were there to help
“The dog would not let the rescuers, the sheriff, anybody near my dad. So they had to go get a gentleman who lives on the property that knows Baby Dog, so they can go get my dad and bring him to me,” Shona said.
Deshon’s other dog, Buddy, had been picked up by neighbors – but Baby Dog refused to leave until someone he trusted arrived at the scene. The loyal and brokenhearted pup was taken to a facility for medical treatment, but once he’s recovered, he has a home ready and waiting. Deshon’s daughter is adopting Baby Dog, the small hero who kept her dad company through his final moments.
“I just feel like I need to take Baby Dog because he is part of my dad now,” Shona explained.
Healing from the loss of a loved one is never easy, but for Baby Dog and Shona Deshon, at least they won’t be doing it alone.