The odds of finding a missing dog aren’t always good, and they looked exceptionally bleak to Nathan and Erin Braun after losing their 5-year-old golden retriever Murphy in the Tahoe wilderness in October 2012. The couple posted fliers and messages on social media about their lost pup, but didn’t receive any responses.

Then, a few weeks ago, a camper five miles away from where Murphy went missing spotted the dog, looking frail but very much alive. The Brauns were notified and drove from their El Dorado Hills home to search for her. However, after several days of scouring the woods, they were at a loss. They left Murphy’s old bed blanket and some pieces of clothing with the campground host to attract Murphy, hoping for the best.

As it turned out, luck was on their side: the camp host Jason Smith found Murphy a few days later sleeping on the blanket…