Lost Dog Was Reunited With His Family After Trekking 150 Miles

An incredible dog named Nanuq made a remarkable journey to return to his family. According to NPR, the precious pup, who is only a year old, was separated from his owner, Gambell, Alaska resident Mandy Iworrigan during a family trip to Savoogna, Alaska, in March 2023. Iworrigan’s other dog, Starlight, also went missing but returned “a few weeks later.”

Somehow Nanuq traveled 150 miles on foot along the Bering Sea ice and ended up in Wales, Alaska. Individuals in Wales uploaded images of the Australian shepherd on social media to attempt to find his owners. Iworrigan’s father happened upon the photos and notified her.

"My dad texted me and said, 'There's a dog that looks like Nanuq in Wales.’ I was like, 'No freakin' way! That's our dog! What is he doing in Wales?'" shared Iworrigan.

She then shared that she is still unsure how her dog “ended up in Wales.” She theorized that “maybe the ice shifted while he was hunting.”

"I'm pretty sure he ate leftovers of seal or caught a seal. Probably birds, too. He eats our Native foods. He's smart,” shared the devoted dog mom.

She also revealed that her pup had a noticeable leg injury due to bite marks upon his return.

"Wolverine, seal, small nanuq, we don't know, because it's like a really big bite," stated Iworrigan.

NPR reported that Iworrigan transported her dog to Alaska via a regional air carrier. She caught the sweet homecoming on camera. In the clip, Iworrigan’s daughter, Brooklyn, was excitedly waiting to see her furry friend again. Iworrigan can also be heard telling him he is “a good boy.”

Here at Woof Republic, we are so happy for Iworrigan and her family! And we must agree -- Nanuq is a very "good boy."