Golden Retriever Reunited With Owner After Nearly A Year Lost In The Woods

A New Hampshire woman had given up hope of ever seeing her beloved golden retriever named Walter, who went missing last Thanksgiving. Kate Olson was visiting her family in Missouri last year when Walter slipped out of his collar and disappeared into the woods near an industrial park.

She spent weeks in the area trying to find Walter but eventually returned home to New Hampshire. She received a few reports that Walter had been seen in the area and went back to Missouri in January to continue the search.

She started working with animal rescue groups and created a Facebook page called "Where's Walter??" hoping that somebody would recognize him. After hearing nothing for almost a year, Olson received great news from Lost Paws Trapping, an Illinois-based animal rescue organization. They found Walter nearly 12 miles from where he first went missing.

Olson hopped on the next flight was reunited with Walter. While Walter was waiting for Olson to arrive, he was given the VIP treatment, including two baths thanks to K-9 Grooming in the nearby city of Oakville.

"[Walter] came in to get pretty and smelling better. What a great dog. He was nervous at first, but running thru the shop and giving kisses before he left. HAVE A SAFE RETURN HOME WALTER. SOOOOOO GLAD YOUR SAFE," they wrote on Facebook.

Olson told KSDK that Walter is doing great and is excited to be home.

"He has been such a little love. He is the same sweet boy he was before and maybe even sweeter because he has missed getting loved on," Olson said.

Photo: Getty Images