Rescuers couldn’t find an 82-year-old with dementia lost in freezing woods — then her loyal dog did two things that helped keep her alive
Dogs are said to be the most loyal companions a human could ever have. The story of the elderly Oregon woman with dementia, who went missing in the woods, is living proof of this. Her day began as a routine walk, but turned into a frightening ordeal as she got lost with her pet. On Monday, December 29, 2025, the Lane County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook that Karen Joyce Davis, an Elmira resident, had gone missing in the woods while walking with her four-legged companion. As reported by PEOPLE on Thursday, January 1, 2026, what kept her alive before her rescue was her Blue Heeler dog, Cami.
In the early hours of the rescue mission, they saw no sign of Davis. But later, authorities posted some good news — Karen Joyce was located in the "rough terrain." They credited Cami for leading them to her. "Her dog, Cami, kept her warm and signaled to Lane County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Volunteers as they searched the area," the post read. The 82-year-old was treated for hypothermia before she was transported to the local hospital. In the photos shared in the post, Cami was seen resting her head on Davis while volunteers surrounded her. The officials also thanked the locals and the Lane Fire Authority for joining them on the rescue mission.
Kattie Sciotto, a search and rescue volunteer, told Lookout Eugene-Springfield that Davis has dementia, and Cami rarely barks. Neither responds to their name. After searching for several hours, Sciotto shouted the dog's name and heard a dog bark from about 300 yards away. "My two searchers and I basically just took off straight toward that bark. We were tripping and falling along the way," Sciotto shared. "Without Cami, we likely would not have found her, and so the dog really did save her life. The temperature was near freezing, and I don't know if she would have made it overnight."
Hypothermia is a serious medical condition that occurs when the body temperature falls below 35 degrees Celsius, according to an article by the National Library of Medicine. The body starts losing heat faster than it can produce, slowing the vital systems like the heart and nervous system. Dementia, which Davis was dealing with, is a broad term used to refer to a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning. According to another article found in the National Library of Medicine, it can affect a person's ability to communicate, recognize familiar places, or people.
This story of survival and companionship sparked an emotional response from people online, with several praising the dog and the volunteer team. "So glad she was found, and had such a good dog by her side. Heelers are the best. No doubt that dog will love her until the end. Most loyal dogs ever," wrote Cailyn Grewe. Jenn Ched remarked, "Something told me when I read this story that she would be okay because her pup would take care of her." Rebecca Barnett penned, "This is why I have two Blue Heelers to protect me, and I'm so happy they found the victim alive with a loyal dog."