Jacob Schmitt has spent his entire life hunting, always with his loyal dog, Buddy, by his side. They weren’t just companions—they were a team, moving together through forests, mountains, and trails, each trusting the other without question. But on a recent trip to the Uinta Mountains, that bond would be tested like never before.
Riding in a side-by-side on a narrow trail, Jacob’s world turned upside down—literally. The vehicle rolled off a cliff, flipping more than a dozen times. He was thrown from it, landing hard. When he opened his eyes, pain tore through his body: a broken leg, fractured ankles, cracked ribs. His phone was gone, his radio was gone, and night was falling. He was alone—or so he thought.
Buddy had been riding in the back. And when Jacob came to, his faithful dog was there—safe, uninjured, and unwilling to leave his side. Buddy’s steady gaze and gentle presence became Jacob’s anchor in the darkness.
With no one to call for help, Jacob did what he had to. He splinted his leg as best he could and began crawling down the mountain. For 11 hours, through cold and darkness, Buddy’s collar cast a faint glow, guiding him step by painstaking step. Jacob later told CNN, “The thing that loves you unconditionally is just there. It’s the biggest spirit jump.”
By sunrise, he reached his truck. Summoning every ounce of strength, he drove to the nearest diner, where someone called 911. He was airlifted to a hospital and spent several days recovering. Buddy, never far from his side, was cared for by first responders, who quickly recognized the unbreakable bond between man and dog.
Now, both are home. Healing. Safe. Jacob says he can’t wait to return to the mountains—Buddy still at his side, the light in the darkness, and the heart that never left.