During a recent visit to a friend's home in Des Moines, nine-month-old golden retriever Neo ran off after being startled. His owner Brenton Koch had just arrived at the home with groceries and a retractable leash when Neo bolted from the backyard pool area. Despite searching and posting on social media, Koch was unable to find him. Brenton and friends looked everywhere for Neo the rest of Saturday and all day Sunday.
Local residents in the neighborhood had seen Neo run by, but by all accounts he had disappeared without a trace. Monday Ross Edwards, who lives a few blocks away went outside, to play fetch with his dog , Leo.
Leo noticed something unusual near the fence line and started barking.
Leo had discovered Neo, whose leash had become tangled around a tree branch. Neo had been trapped there for three days, trying to dig himself free. Edwards quickly called the number on Neo’s tag, reaching Brenton who was relieved to get the call. After some food and water, Neo was fine, and was soon reunited with Koch, who expressed his thanks, saying, “I’m just really grateful… little Leo kind of saved his life.”
Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP / Getty Images