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Better Late than Never

Corgi Survives Deadly Avalanche, Reunited With Family After Walking Miles Through Snow

by Max Eddy | 1:21 pm, January 6th, 2012

This plucky little guy is Ole, a Welsh Corgi who somehow managed to survive a horrific avalanche that killed one of his owners near Cooke City, Montana. After presumably tunneling out from under snow many times deeper than the small dog’s stature, Ole walked for four days before finally coming to rest at a local motel. This is one incredible little dog.

Ole’s owner Dave Gaillard was out skiing with his wife Kerry along Hayden Creek with their diminutive dog this past Saturday. Dave happened to spot the avalanche which broke in the mountains above, and shouted to Kerry that she should “Retreat to the trees.” These would be his last words. Dave was buried under some 14 feet of snow. Kerry, heading his warning, survived by clinging to a tree. Ole was nowhere in sight.

Four days later, to everyone’s surprise, the little orange and white dog appeared at the Alpine Motel — some four miles away from where the Gaillards had been. He was dazed, hungry, and scared, but Bill Whittle says the little dog responded to his calls and ate and drank happily. During his journey, Ole had to endure bitterly cold temperatures and deep snow. Despite this, he appeared to be healthy aside from his hunger. Whittle, who drove Ole back to his family, told the Billings Gazette:

“He was real hungry and thirsty,” Whittle said. “We fed him twice.”

Safely returned to the bosom of his family, Ole is a little piece of good news in this tragic story. In addition to Dave Gaillard, Jody Ray Verhasselt also died in the avalanche.

Don’t ever go too far from home, Ole.

(Billings Gazette via Daily What, image via Natasha Baydakova)

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  • Shinegar

    We have 2 Welsh Corgis and they are the best little dogs I have ever had and we have had quite a few different breeds of dogs and these little gus are the funniest and best natured ones we have every had by far.  they are truely a devoted and loving companion.  I see why other Corgi owners love these little dogs, 

  • Ruther

    just wonderful for Ole to show how amazing he is!  We have 2 corgis and will always have at least one in our home…the best breed, besides for the Rhodesian Ridgeback of which we have two!  God Bless Ole and his Mum~

  • Tenniscarm

    Mickey Rooney are Corgi looks just like Ole…and they are the smartest sturdiest and loving breed we have ever had..   I am so glad he is ok and prayers go out to his owner’s family.   

  • Sidesaddle

    Prayers to Ole’s family.  Corgis are so amazing…but would always eat twice whether hungry or not…

  • Mary (RI)

    You are right about that, Sidesaddle! And they have difficulty with weight if they are allowed to eat what and when they want, like many dogs, but it seems to be especially hard on their short-legged bodies. Prayers for the family. God Bless the rugged little boy, Ole, who would have herded his dad to safety if he could have. Corgis can be so awesome.

  • Scott

    Amazing story, the loss of the adults is a terrible tragedy. These bold loving companions are incredibly clever and are truly loyal. Corgi’s (as I have had and have) have a real dog spirit and stay true to being a canine. “German Shepherds with no legs” that fit everywhere is how iI describe them. My current corgi Ozzie (like Buster my previous Corgi) accompany me to work everyday and is an ambassador for the whole species wherever we go.
    I am glad that Ole is there to comfort Bill during such a loss and provide years to come of companionship.   

  • Fairysteed

    I have had corgis all my life and wouldn’t switch breeds for anything!  They are such intelligent, loving dogs and I always say they are ‘big’ dogs in little dogs bodies.  Their only fault is ….they do love their food! 

  • Mike

    Mine only eats when she’s hungry.


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