A mountain hiker who became stranded in the Croatian mountains has been saved after his pet dog lay on top of him for 13 hours.
As reported by The Independent, hiker Grga Brkic became stranded while traversing along the Velebit mountain range - located along the country’s Adriatic coastline. Brkic was hiking with two friends when he fell down a slope and suffered injuries to his leg.
Unable to move, Brkic's two friends doubled back to go and find help, leaving him in the company of his eight-month-old Alaskan Malamute called North.
After successfully contacting rescuers, nearly 30 first responders found Brkic and North approximately 5,900 feet above sea level. Local media reports that North had spent 13 hours lying on top of Brkic, "curled around him and warmed him".
The Croatian Mountain Rescue Service later shared a photo of North lying on top of Brkic to its social media page, writing in the caption (translated): "Friendship and love between man and dog have no boundaries."
"From this example, we can all learn about caring for each other," the post added.
Total Croatia News reported that all three hikers were experienced and carrying all the correct equipment.
Head of the Croatian mountain rescue services in Gospić, Josip Brozičević, told the press: "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 addition, he looked quite sober mentally and physically."
North himself was uninjured, and was later described by his owner to the local press as "a little miracle". Brkic added that the hours that led to his eventual rescue felt "slow".
Despite the dog's heroic efforts, Croatian mountain rescue services have reiterated their warnings that hikers should not take dogs on dangerous ventures - especially in winter when specialist equipment is required.
