Pitbull's Four-Day Vigil Over Teen Owner's Body in Himalayan Snowstorm
A remarkable story of canine loyalty has emerged from the Himalayas, where a pitbull is reported to have maintained a four-day vigil beside the body of his teenage owner following a tragic snowstorm incident.
The Tragic Expedition
Two cousins, Viksit Rana, 19, and Piyush Kumar, 14, ventured into the high-altitude area near the Bharmani temple in Bharmour, a region notorious for extreme cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and frequent avalanches. The teenagers, equipped with sleeping bags, a trekking tent, packaged food, and other essential supplies, had planned to capture video footage of themselves in the snowstorm for social media content.
Viksit, described as an enthusiastic blogger who regularly shared hill photography and videos online, had brought along his one-and-a-half-year-old pet pitbull named Sherru for the expedition. Despite their preparations, the weather conditions deteriorated dramatically, with temperatures plummeting to between minus nine and minus ten degrees Celsius during an intense snowstorm.
The Discovery and Rescue Operation
When the boys failed to return home, a four-day rescue operation involving local villagers and professional teams commenced. Rescuers eventually located the tragic scene, finding Viksit's body approximately one hundred metres away from where Piyush lay beneath deep snow.
Most remarkably, the young pitbull Sherru was discovered standing faithfully beside Piyush's body, having remained there throughout the entire four-day period without access to food or shelter. Assistant Superintendent of Police Dinesh Kumar Sharma confirmed that sleeping bags, a tent, and other belongings were found near the bodies, indicating the boys had been properly equipped but overwhelmed by the extreme conditions.
Protective Instincts and Emotional Response
When rescue workers initially attempted to recover Piyush's body, Sherru exhibited protective guarding behaviours, becoming somewhat aggressive toward those approaching his owner's remains. The dog's loyalty was so pronounced that rescuers needed to carefully coax him away before they could safely retrieve the bodies and bring the distressed animal to safety.
The story has generated significant emotional response online, with social media users expressing admiration for the dog's devotion. "Hats off to the loyalty dogs carry," wrote one commentator, while another admitted, "Couldn't control my tears. One of the most emotional scenes." Video footage showing Sherru standing by his snow-covered owner has circulated widely, capturing public attention and highlighting the extraordinary bond between humans and their canine companions.
Historical Context of Canine Loyalty
This incident joins a long tradition of stories celebrating remarkable canine fidelity. Perhaps the most famous British example is Greyfriars Bobby, the Skye Terrier who reportedly spent fourteen years guarding his owner's grave in Edinburgh during the nineteenth century. Though some historical details remain disputed, the story has become legendary, with a statue erected on Candlemaker's Row that continues to attract tourists to this day.
The Himalayan tragedy, while devastating in its human cost, has provided another powerful testament to the depth of loyalty dogs can demonstrate, even under the most extreme circumstances and in the face of overwhelming adversity.
