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Stephen and Loraine Smith were stranded in the mountains. Now they are recovering in the hospital. Both are in their 80s and spent over 12 hours out in the elements, and they're crediting their 10-month-old border collie, Bobbi, for their survival.
The couple headed up the Porterville Mountains this past weekend looking for Christmas trees. "Steve said, ‘It's getting late, we'll come back and get them tomorrow.' Famous last words," Loraine laughed.
Shortly after, their Polaris Ranger broke down. They started walking, then Loraine fell, injuring her knee and ankle.
The two decided Stephen would go for help and Bobbi would stay with Loraine. Knowing he would be slowed by old injuries sustained in World War II, Loraine tried to crawl after him but quickly tired. Bobbi lay down.
"It made me angry, and I said, ‘Bobbi, you get up and help me.' And then I thought, 'She is trying to help me,'" Loraine said.
Realizing Bobbi had found a warm spot, Loraine curled up next to her, repeatedly moving the dog around to take advantage of her body heat.
Twelve hours later, Stephen made it to a road where he ran into a group of people four-wheeling. They immediately turned around and went back for Loraine.
"I thought, ‘He's come back for me. He's here. We'll make it!' Loraine said.
Tonight, Loraine and Stephen are at Ogden Regional Medical Center recovering from multiple injuries and serious frostbite. Stephen was not up to an interview. Loraine is also hurting a lot, but wanted people to know about Bobbi. "That little dog saved my life," she said.
Doctors tell Loraine and Stephen they're taking each day as it comes evaluating and treating their injuries.
The two plan to go back to the Porterville Mountains once they're feeling better, and Bobbi will come along too.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
