An 85-year-old Sonora woman with dementia, Barbara Crosby, was found safe late Sunday night after having gone missing over the weekend. Her dog, Poncho, is credited with helping to lead the rescue team to her location, although the pet is now missing. According to a report by KCRA, Poncho was last seen with Crosby on Saturday morning, and a Silver Alert was subsequently activated by the California Highway Patrol.
In a twist of fate, Poncho was later recognized Sunday evening by a local named Brett Christopher, prompting officials to quickly organize and dispatch a search team to the area of East Bald Mountain Road. "That dog being tied to the missing person is why we stopped," Christopher told KCRA. "Honestly, those emergency alerts are what really saved her life."
As darkness enveloped the rescue scene, deputies and the Tuolumne County Search and Rescue team were able to find Crosby asleep under brush, not far from where Poncho had been spotted. In a statement provided by CBS News Sacramento, the sheriff's office detailed the use of "a stokes litter and rope system" to safely extract Crosby from the steep, bramble-laden descent. After being rescued, Crosby was released to medical personnel for evaluation and care.
However, amidst the clamor and care to safely retrieve the missing woman, Poncho managed to slip away. The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office is imploring the public to keep an eye out and help to safely recover the heroic canine. "The community response was great—seeing volunteers, search and rescue, our sheriff's office, emergency services, local fire departments and EMTs all working together," Christopher affirmed in the interview with KCRA.
Residents in the vicinity of East Bald Mountain Road have reported sightings of Poncho since the incident, but none have yet to be able to catch him. If anyone has information regarding the whereabouts of Poncho, they are encouraged to contact the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office. The search for the loyal dog that played an integral role in locating his vulnerable owner continues amidst the dense California foliage.
