There is no better moment for a dog and its owner than going for a peaceful evening walk. Stella, an 8-year-old German Shorthair Pointer, and her owner, Gary Overman, enjoyed this daily routine.
One evening, they set out for their favorite field along the Colorado River in Arizona, expecting another pleasant stroll. But things quickly took a terrifying turn.
A Sudden Disappearance
Stella had a habit of exploring the brush along the riverbank, often disappearing briefly before returning. That evening, she did the same, and at first, Gary wasn’t worried.
“She has wandered off before, but she always comes back,” Gary told The Dodo. “Her sense of direction is absolutely incredible.”
However, as time passed and Stella remained missing for over 15 minutes, worry set in. Gary called her name repeatedly but got no response.
He activated the alarm on her collar, a reliable method to get her attention—but this time, nothing happened.
Desperate Search
Minutes turned into an hour and a half. Gary was growing desperate. “I didn’t know what the right thing to do was,” he admitted. “Do I leave the spot and search for her, or do I stay put?” He decided to stay.
After waiting a little longer without any sign of Stella, Gary made a tough choice. He began heading toward the border, fearing his beloved pup had wandered too far—perhaps even into Mexico, where getting her back would be almost impossible.
A Life-Saving Rescue
While Gary searched, about a mile away in Yuma, Arizona, Border Patrol officers were monitoring the Colorado River. Then, something caught their attention in the water.
They quickly realized it was an animal struggling to stay afloat. As the dog paddled desperately toward their boat, the officers knew they had to act fast. Within minutes, they pulled her out of the water. The name tag on her collar read: Stella.
The officers had just saved a life—but they didn’t yet know they had also saved a man from heartbreak.
Read More:
- Arizona Considers Ending Legislative Immunity for Traffic Violations After Senator’s Ticket!
- Erie and Daylight Saving Time 2025: When to Adjust Your Clocks?
The Best Phone Call Ever
After checking Stella’s collar, the Border Patrol team found a phone number and immediately called it. On the other end, Gary, who had been losing hope, picked up.
“It was a huge blessing. What a difference these guys make,” Gary later told the U.S. Border Patrol Yuma Sector, which shared his words on Facebook.
Hearing that his beloved Stella was safe filled him with overwhelming relief and gratitude.
A Tearful Reunion
As soon as Gary ended the call, he rushed to the dock where the patrol boat was returning. As it approached, he spotted his best friend on board, and the emotions became too much to hold back.
“Seeing Stella on that boat again was an incredible sigh of relief,” he said. “I must’ve been near an onion field because my eyes were watering.”
The moment Stella stepped onto the shore, she ran straight into Gary’s arms. The officers who had rescued her watched the emotional reunion, knowing their efforts had truly made a difference.
A Happy Ending
Thanks to the quick actions of the Border Patrol, Stella was safely returned to her owner. What started as a regular evening walk turned into a terrifying ordeal, but in the end, love and determination brought them back together.
Gary and Stella’s story is a reminder of the incredible bond between humans and their pets—and the kindness of those willing to help in times of need.
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.
+ There are no comments
Add yours