Dogs Separated After Losing Their Dad In Colorado Hike, Watch What Happens When They Reunite

Tonka and Little P were brothers, best friends, and the heart of their little pack. That pack once included the most important person in their world: their dad, Kris.

Every single day, they lived life side by side and did it all together. But one day, everything changed.

On a hiking trip in Colorado, Kris and his pups got lost in the wilderness. After two long days without food or water, Kris tried to climb down a steep canyon.

But the terrain was too dangerous. He slipped, and all three of them tumbled to the bottom.

Kris didn’t make it. But somehow, Tonka and Little P survived.

Both boys were hurt. Tonka broke both his front legs and couldn’t walk. But they stayed with their beloved dad, even after his heart had stopped beating.

When help finally arrived, Little P refused to leave his brother’s side. As rescuers carried Tonka off on a stretcher, Little P jumped up beside him.

He licked his face, refusing to let go. It was heartbreaking.

The next few weeks were incredibly hard. Tonka needed major surgery and full casts. The two dogs had to be separated for the first time in their lives, and they were devastated.

Tonka was placed in a foster home while Little P went to live with Kris’s cousin, Crysti, and her boyfriend.

Crysti shared in a YouTube video just how the brothers were sad to part ways, saying:

“They were kissing each other, and it was like they were saying, ‘I’ll see you on the other side of this, it’ll be okay.’”

The pups were lost without each other, and even more so without Kris.

Tonka, always the more expressive one, howled when he felt alone, like he was trying to call out to the dad he missed so much.

He had been with Kris since he was a pup. He didn’t understand where his favorite person had gone.

But Crysti and the amazing rescue group, Mr. Bones & Co., weren’t about to let them down.

Everyone came together – family, friends, fosters, and volunteers – to make sure these two brothers heal both physically and emotionally.

It took time. Patience. So much love. But little by little, Tonka and Little P began to feel safe again. They started walking, wagging their tails, and leaning into cuddles.

Once they were healthy enough, the rescue team began the search for a forever home together. There was no way these boys were going to be separated again. Crysti shared:

“We needed someone who would give them a similar life to what my cousin did, a life full of adventures and outdoor activities.”

And then something amazing happened. Over 200 people applied to adopt Tonka and Little P. Their story had touched so many hearts.

After carefully going through all the applications, one stood out. A couple named Brandon and Heilea seemed just right.

They lived an adventurous life full of hikes and road trips, the exact kind of life Kris gave them. Crysti was so happy, sharing:

“I knew that we had finally found the perfect family.”

The adoption day finally arrived. And even more special, it was reunion day. The day the boys would finally see each other again.

At first, they were a little stunned. Their eyes met. They sniffed. And then, their tails wagged like crazy.

Just like that, it was as if they’d never been apart.

All of Kris’s family came to watch the reunion. And then, in the most beautiful moment, Tonka lifted his head and began to howl. Little P joined in.

The two of them sang out, and it felt like they were sending a message to Kris: We’re okay now, Dad. Crysti shared:

“It was such an emotional experience because it really felt like they were singing out to Kris.”

From that day on, they were home. Their new family welcomed them with open arms and hearts, and even with custom food bowls and baskets made in loving memory of Kris.

They went on hikes, lounged on the patio, and snuggled up every night, knowing they were safe and cherished again.

They had a few golden years together, filled with love.

Eventually, Tonka’s time came. After giving everything he had to this world, sweet Tonka crossed the rainbow bridge.

His family was heartbroken, but they were also deeply grateful. Tonka had gotten the second chance he deserved, and he lived it fully.

Little P still misses his brother. They all do. But they carry him in their hearts, every single day.