A dog helped save its owner, who survived in the forest for 30 days (5 photos)

Robert Shock planned to run about 20 miles along the Chilliwack River Trail with only shorts, his dog Freddy, and some water. His outdated map let him down.





Robert Shock, 39, from Blaine, Washington, was lost in the North Cascades wilderness for a month. His run turned into a fight for survival.

The man planned to run 20 miles (32 km) along the Chilliwack River Trail with only shorts, his dog Freddy, and some water. However, his outdated map did not take into account the destruction from the forest fires, and he lost his way.

"I was not prepared for such an ordeal. I did not think that I would be left without food and clothes for so long," the American admitted.



On the second day, Shock's phone died, and on the third, he sent the dog home in the hope that she would be found and the alarm would be raised. The man survived by eating berries and mushrooms. He lost track of time and began to lose hope.

"I was eating what I could find, but I was desperate. I was screaming for help, but at some point I just stopped believing that they would find me," he said.





Shock's mother, Jen Thompson, only learned of her son's disappearance after the dog, Freddy, was spotted on the street. She contacted the police, which launched a search.

30 days later, suffering from dysentery and weakened, Shock was on the banks of a river, certain that he would not survive the night.

"I realized it was my last chance, and I screamed at the top of my lungs," he recalls.



Luckily, a group of volunteers restoring the trail heard him. Shok was taken by helicopter to the hospital, where he spent a month recovering. He is now in Ohio, where he is recovering under the care of his father. The man plans to return to music and running, but admits that he will not take any more risks.

"This experience has changed me. I have aged years in these 30 days, but I hope to get my strength back," the American added.