Wanderer Woody found safe after stormy mountain escapade

A dog who spent three days missing on Scotland’s second highest mountain has been reunited with his owner.

Woody, a Labrador cross, ran off after apparently picking up a scent near the top of Ben Macdui.

The disappearance of the five-year-old, who was wearing the blue backpack he uses to carry supplies, was highlighted in last week’s Sunday Post and sparked a major search effort.

He was located – much to the relief of his owner – early on Monday after last being seen the previous Friday. Alone and disorientated, Woody would have had to brave heavy storms, including thunder and lightning, which hit much of northern and eastern Scotland last weekend.

Jack Kuusi, 35, of Chamonix, France, was on a walking trip in the Cairngorms when Woody ran off. He said: “Woody’s now home safe and sound – with a huge appetite. But without the sightings and people covering the trails we might not have found him.”

As it turns out he wasn’t that far from Cairngorm mountain centre and was found close to Loch Avon in a sheltered location with fresh water.

Sometimes his strong sense of independence can get him into trouble,” said Jack. “He has been resting for a few days to regain his strength – ready, no doubt, for his next adventure.”

He was spotted on the day he went missing on the mountain’s west slopes near Choire Mhoir. But there were no further sightings and fears rose as the weather threatened to close in on the harsh environment. Jack issued an appeal for help and Woody’s plight caused a huge response on social media.

Volunteers arrived to help in the search and family members travelled from England to assist.

After he was finally located, Woody was taken by family members to a relative’s house in Leeds, and checked over by vets who gave him the all-clear.