Man dies, faithful dog stands watch 6 weeks

By WND Staff
Published August 12, 2008 at 10:41pm

DENVER – Authorities in Colorado have found a German shepherd at her master's side in a remote area of the Pawnee National Grassland, six weeks after the man apparently committed suicide.

The dog, "Cash," was found next to the body of Jake Baysinger, 25, a La Salle man who had been reported missing and suicidal on June 28, according to the Denver Post.

Officers from the Weld County sheriff's office conducted an extensive search at the time with vehicles and airplanes but found nothing.

But the Post said Undersheriff Margie Martinez reported the man's pickup was found Sunday, and the body was nearby, along with Cash.

The dog apparently had remained with or near the man's body for six weeks, and there was evidence Cash survived on mice and rabbits, the report said.

Baysinger's gun also was found nearby, and authorities believe he shot himself.

Sara Baysinger, the man's wife, yesterday took Cash home from the Humane Society of Weld County shelter, where the dog had been evaluated

"At least we know it's over now," Sara Baysinger told the newspaper. "We'd been looking for my husband for six weeks, and this isn't how we wanted it to end, at least we can close this."

But she reported her 2-year-old son was pleased to see the dog.

"He's very close to that dog," Sara Baysinger said.

Investigators report the dog probably kept coyotes away from her master's body. Veterinarians said the dog was thin but friendly when she was found.