Just a couple years ago my German Shepherd, Schatzi, and I took a walk in a fairly new State Forest Park. It was an incredibly hot day in the 90°s & overcast & very humid. Was told by a fellow camper that the river was just a short walk so Schatzi and I headed out. Only planning to take a short walk to the river to let my German Shepherd cool off then go back to campsite to pack up. Walked about 20 min. came to a four-way, trails not marked. Continued walking for quite a while and still didn't find the river. Had my cell phone with me & a small bottle of water because I didn't think we would be gone very long, no compass. After about an hour I was getting concerned because it was so hot and my puppy's ears were turning bright pink, she was slowing down. Came to another four-way trail this time turning down a different trail. Now 2 hours had passed and I knew in about an hour it would be getting dark, had to call Schatzi to get her to follow me, cupped my hands to give her my water. Began yelling at the top of my lungs "HELP... Somebody please help"! My cell phone had absolutely no reception. So I tried dialing the emergency number but that didnt work! Walk to walk the little further and saw a little brown wooden sign that said "cabins on the water"! So I got excited and called Schatzi as she followed me until the trail got so thick it came to an end, no cabins!!
So headed back to that little sign, 1/2 hour and came to that four-way trail. Now I'm lost, really lost! Kept walking & totally lost my sense of direction. We were on the verge of heat stroke. Came to a different four-way trail & I headed back the way I thought we should go. Schatzi laid down and would not move at all. As I continued yelling for help I also scolded her for not getting up and following me. Finally she got up but she walked away from me totally opposite direction and she wouldn't listen to me. It had now been hours since we left our campsite. Of all the days/times Schatzi started her heat cycle. All I could think of is that a bear or some wild animal would smell her and find us, now I'm scared. Schatzi walking away down the trail would stop turn around and look at me then turn back around and walk away. Finally I followed her & so thankful I did after quite a while she took us to the road. Once on the road I knew we were safe and we were 4 miles from our campsite.
