Lost Dog Reunites with Owner After Rescue in Joshua Tree National Park: ‘Never Thought I Would See Him Again'

Officials found the dog two days after he ran away from his owner on June 9

A 10-month-old Doberman was reunited with his owner after he ran away during a camping trip in Joshua Tree National Park in California.

According to a release from Riverside County Animal Services, Christian Corona, 28, was camping with his dog Onyx on June 9 near the Jumbo Rocks campgrounds at the park, when his dog escaped. While the exact details of what caused Onyx to take off are unclear, he ended up getting scared and took off into the wilderness.

Corona then searched for his dog for two days in the mid-90-degree heat, and told officials, “I never thought I would see him again.”

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However, on the evening of June 16, park rangers confirmed they received reports of a dog sighting at Jumbo Rocks, which turned out to be Onyx. Witnesses thought that Onyx “resembled a bighorn sheep” at first glance, but officials confirmed that “Onyx had climbed to a perch on rock formations, approximately 200 feet up, near the campground.”

Riverside County Animal Services posted on Facebook that a Joshua Tree Search and Rescue team retrieved Onyx and transported him to Coachella Valley Animal Campus. Onyx was then reunited with Corona shortly after being examined.

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While Corona and Onyx’s story had a happy ending, Animal Services Director Erin Gettis called the reunion “unique” and took the opportunity to remind pet owners to take extra precautions with their pets at any national park.

“Pet owners should always be vigilant in protecting their pets from situations like this," Gettis said.

Pets are typically allowed in designated areas in the national parks across the country. However, California State Parks specifically require that dogs be on a 6-foot leash at all times.

Riverside County Animal Services also took the opportunity to remind people the importance of following the pet regulations and to be aware of your surroundings and possible hazards for yourself and your pet.

“A microchip or collar with a tag could have resulted in a much sooner reunion,” Gettis continued. “Heading toward the Fourth of July holiday, we encourage all owners to ensure the chip info for your pet is up to date and your dog is wearing a tag and collar kept in a safe location or on a leash.”

While Corona is happy to have Onyx back with him, he took the opportunity to remind people that “dogs are unpredictable.”

“Who’s to say this could not happen anywhere? It could be a squirrel and he gets excited and then bolts for the street and gets hit by a car,” Corona said. “Lesson learned. I am eternally grateful for the rangers and everyone who helped me try to find him. It was so heartwarming – people came together to help. It was just amazing.”

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