“An Incredible Tale of Survival: Man’s Best Friend Comes to the Rescue
In the breathtaking peaks of Croatia’s Velebit mountain range, Grga Brkić faced a life-threatening situation. While hiking on one of the highest peaks, he tragically fell 500 feet, fracturing his leg, rendering him immobile, and staring death in the face.
There’s a profound love that dogs have for us, a love that knows no bounds. One man who experienced this love firsthand is Grga Brkić. As he lay stranded in the freezing cold, with hypothermia creeping in, hope arrived in the form of his loyal companion, North—an eight-month-old Alaskan Malamute.
North, instinctively understanding the dire circumstances, climbed atop his injured owner, providing warmth and comfort until help could reach them. This harrowing incident unfolded approximately 5,800 feet above Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, as reported by PEOPLE.
Brkić’s fall left him with a fractured lower leg and the inability to move. Two fellow hikers discovered him and his faithful dog at the base of the slope, realizing the impossibility of lifting him out on their own. They immediately called for rescuers.
In an incredible display of loyalty, North nestled beside Brkić, sharing his body heat to keep him warm. Alaskan Malamutes are known for their remarkable cold tolerance, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -20°F, thanks to their thick, waterproof double coats designed for the harsh Arctic conditions.
For 13 grueling hours, Brkić clung to hope, knowing that North was his lifeline. Finally, a team of 27 first responders from the Croatian emergency mountaineers, Hrvatska Gorska Služba Spašavanja, arrived on the scene, and their astonishment was palpable. North had steadfastly curled around Brkić, providing vital warmth throughout the ordeal.
The rescue mission faced daunting challenges—snow, ice, and fallen trees—making it one of the most demanding operations ever undertaken by these seasoned professionals. Remarkably, North never left Brkić’s side.
Ultimately, they were airlifted to a nearby hospital, where Brkić underwent a lifesaving emergency operation, making a full recovery. Thankfully, North emerged from the incident unscathed.
Josip Brozičević, the head of the Croatian mountain rescue services, praised North’s heroic actions, stating, “The dog was curled up next to the owner in the pit the entire time; he warmed his owner with his body, thus preventing the mountaineer’s significant hypothermia who suffered a severe fracture of the lower leg and ankle when he fell.”
In a heartfelt interview with Croatian media, Brkić expressed his gratitude, acknowledging that he wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for North. The moments before rescue arrived felt agonizingly slow, but North’s presence was a true miracle.
Following the incident, the Croatian emergency mountaineers posted about the incredible rescue, and Brkić’s family shared an update, confirming that both he and North were doing remarkably well.
This extraordinary tale is a testament to the indomitable spirit of friendship between humans and their loyal canine companions. Share this story to celebrate the extraordinary bond between Grga Brkić and North and to honor the incredible bravery of our furry friends.
In the breathtaking peaks of Croatia’s Velebit mountain range, Grga Brkić faced a life-threatening situation. While hiking on one of the highest peaks, he tragically fell 500 feet, fracturing his leg, rendering him immobile, and staring death in the face.
There’s a profound love that dogs have for us, a love that knows no bounds. One man who experienced this love firsthand is Grga Brkić. As he lay stranded in the freezing cold, with hypothermia creeping in, hope arrived in the form of his loyal companion, North—an eight-month-old Alaskan Malamute.
North, instinctively understanding the dire circumstances, climbed atop his injured owner, providing warmth and comfort until help could reach them. This harrowing incident unfolded approximately 5,800 feet above Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, as reported by PEOPLE.
Brkić’s fall left him with a fractured lower leg and the inability to move. Two fellow hikers discovered him and his faithful dog at the base of the slope, realizing the impossibility of lifting him out on their own. They immediately called for rescuers.
In an incredible display of loyalty, North nestled beside Brkić, sharing his body heat to keep him warm. Alaskan Malamutes are known for their remarkable cold tolerance, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -20°F, thanks to their thick, waterproof double coats designed for the harsh Arctic conditions.
For 13 grueling hours, Brkić clung to hope, knowing that North was his lifeline. Finally, a team of 27 first responders from the Croatian emergency mountaineers, Hrvatska Gorska Služba Spašavanja, arrived on the scene, and their astonishment was palpable. North had steadfastly curled around Brkić, providing vital warmth throughout the ordeal.
The rescue mission faced daunting challenges—snow, ice, and fallen trees—making it one of the most demanding operations ever undertaken by these seasoned professionals. Remarkably, North never left Brkić’s side.
Ultimately, they were airlifted to a nearby hospital, where Brkić underwent a lifesaving emergency operation, making a full recovery. Thankfully, North emerged from the incident unscathed.
Josip Brozičević, the head of the Croatian mountain rescue services, praised North’s heroic actions, stating, “The dog was curled up next to the owner in the pit the entire time; he warmed his owner with his body, thus preventing the mountaineer’s significant hypothermia who suffered a severe fracture of the lower leg and ankle when he fell.”
In a heartfelt interview with Croatian media, Brkić expressed his gratitude, acknowledging that he wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for North. The moments before rescue arrived felt agonizingly slow, but North’s presence was a true miracle.
Following the incident, the Croatian emergency mountaineers posted about the incredible rescue, and Brkić’s family shared an update, confirming that both he and North were doing remarkably well.
This extraordinary tale is a testament to the indomitable spirit of friendship between humans and their loyal canine companions. Share this story to celebrate the extraordinary bond between Grga Brkić and North and to honor the incredible bravery of our furry friends.
R.I.P. Frodo, The Last Surviving Dog Rescued From Michael Vick’s Dogfighting Ring
In 2007, a dark chapter in the world of animal cruelty came to light when authorities rescued 51 Pit Bulls from the Virginia home of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. These innocent animals had endured unimaginable abuse, subjected to beatings, electrocutions, hangings, drownings, and forced dogfights.
Out of this horrific ordeal, 48 resilient Pit Bulls emerged as survivors, thanks to the dedication of several rescue organizations and their forever families. One of these survivors, Frodo, recently passed away at the age of 15 on December 18th, 2021. Frodo’s journey serves as a testament to resilience, second chances, and the unwavering commitment of those who fight for justice and rehabilitation.
Frodo’s life was a stark contrast to the year he spent in hell at Michael Vick’s compound. Once rescued, he was embraced by a loving family and pampered like a prince for the next 14 years. His passing left a void in the hearts of those who knew and cared for him, particularly BAD RAP, an Oakland-based nonprofit animal protection group that played a pivotal role in advocating for and rehabilitating the Vick dogs.
In a touching Facebook post, BAD RAP bid farewell to Frodo: “To Frodo – We all adored him. He was one of the most valiant survivors we’d ever met.” His passing was peaceful, surrounded by the love of his family, who ensured his final moments were filled with comfort and care.
Frodo’s journey wasn’t just a personal triumph; it became a symbol of hope and resilience for Pit Bulls and dogs with difficult pasts everywhere. BAD RAP, with its extensive experience in working with dogs rescued from dogfighting rings, always believed in the potential for these dogs to be rehabilitated and reintegrated into loving homes.
Frodo’s story dispelled the negative stereotypes associated with Pit Bulls and underscored the transformative power of patience and kindness in a dog’s life. He exemplified the importance of early socialization for dogs rescued from cruelty incidents, showing that with the right environment and loving care, even the most timid and scarred animals can thrive.
Kim Ramirez, Frodo’s adoptive mother, shared insights into his journey, explaining how mechanical sounds and sudden movements used to terrify him. She described the challenges of helping Frodo overcome his past trauma, such as his fear of ceiling fans and microwave popcorn, which likely reminded him of the traumatic events he had witnessed.
Throughout his life, Frodo enjoyed the devoted care of the Ramirez family, who accommodated his needs, including transporting him in a stroller when his legs began to fail. His story was a testament to the healing power of love and the resilience of animals.
Frodo’s passing is a reminder of the enduring legacy of the 48 survivors of Michael Vick’s dogfighting ring. These brave dogs were given the opportunities they deserved, and despite their challenging backgrounds, they lived happy lives, proving that remarkable transformations are possible with compassion and commitment.
While Michael Vick’s actions were reprehensible, the high-profile case did raise awareness about dogfighting and its devastating consequences. It also shifted public perception of Pit Bulls, showcasing their potential for rehabilitation and adoption. Frodo and his fellow survivors are living proof that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is hope for a brighter future.
As we bid farewell to Frodo, we honor his memory and the countless animals who have found their second chance at life through the dedication of animal rights activists and the kindness of loving families. Frodo’s story will continue to inspire us to fight for justice, compassion, and a world where every animal can thrive.
Leave a Reply