A 7-year-old dachshund named Chewie is on his way back to his owner in Portland, Oregon, after surviving a devastating car crash and spending a week alone in the Wyoming wilderness. His miraculous recovery is the result of chance encounters, human kindness, and a well-placed microchip.
A Chance Encounter on a Wyoming Highway
Around 11 a.m. on Monday, Scott and Kodi Allred, both 49 and residents of Mountain View, Wyoming, were traveling to visit their son at the University of Northern Colorado when they noticed a small black dachshund running along Interstate 80 near Elk Mountain. Concerned that the frightened animal might dart into traffic, Scott immediately pulled over to help.
“The little guy was terrified, and I couldn’t get close to him,” Scott recalled. “I tried calling him over, but he kept running. I was afraid he’d go right into the road.”
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Kodi tried to assist but couldn’t chase the dog far while wearing boots. She kept her eyes on him from the truck while Scott continued to follow on foot. Eventually, the dog’s short legs gave out, allowing Scott to gently catch and leash him. “He was so scared, but once I got him, I could tell he was a sweet little guy,” Scott said.
With no identification tags, the couple decided to take the dachshund to the nearest animal shelter, the Laramie Animal Shelter, about an hour’s drive away.
A Microchip Reveals His Identity
At the shelter, workers scanned the dog for a microchip — and found one. It revealed that the dachshund was named Chewie and belonged to 33-year-old Amanda Lohr from Kokomo, Indiana.
When shelter staff contacted Lohr, they were met with shock and tears. She explained that Chewie had been missing since October 24, when she and her boyfriend were involved in a serious car accident on I-80 while driving to a friend’s home in Portland.
Their 2005 Buick Century had been struck by a semi-truck as it attempted to pass, causing it to roll several times and land in a ditch. Lohr was taken by ambulance to a hospital in Rawlins, while her boyfriend, who suffered a neck fracture, was airlifted to a hospital in Casper and remained there for eight days.
During the chaos, Chewie was thrown from the car and disappeared. Lohr’s cat, which was also in the vehicle, was gravely injured and later euthanized.
“I thought Chewie was gone,” Lohr said through tears. “I’d been mourning him for over a week. When they called to say he was alive, I couldn’t believe it. My daughters started crying when I told them — it was like a miracle.”
A Network of Helpers
As it turns out, Chewie’s rescue involved more than one Good Samaritan. Kenny Coomes, a FedEx driver from Salt Lake City, had also spotted Chewie wandering along the interstate days earlier. Concerned for the animal’s safety, Coomes set a live trap with food and a blanket, hoping to catch him. When Chewie disappeared, Coomes assumed the worst — that the little dog had succumbed to the harsh conditions or wildlife.
“I honestly thought he was gone,” Coomes said. “Then a friend tagged me on Facebook in Kodi’s post about the rescue, and I realized it was the same dog. I was so happy.”
Coomes reached out to the Allreds after seeing the post. Together, they arranged transportation for Chewie to reunite with Lohr. A FedEx colleague volunteered to personally deliver the dog to Lohr in Portland in the coming days.
“It’s amazing how everything came together,” Coomes said. “God really put the right people in the right place at the right time.”
A Journey Across States — and a Reunion Ahead
For Lohr, who recently lost her job and was recovering from injuries sustained in the crash, Chewie’s survival has been a source of comfort amid hardship. She expressed deep gratitude to the Allreds, Coomes, and everyone who played a role in her dog’s rescue.
“They’ve been incredible — sending me photos, keeping me updated, and treating Chewie like their own,” Lohr said. “After everything we’ve been through, having him come home feels like getting a piece of my heart back.”
Chewie’s story has since spread widely on social media, inspiring hundreds of comments from people touched by his survival and the strangers who came together to save him.
A Reminder of Hope and Kindness
For Scott and Kodi Allred, rescuing Chewie was an emotional experience they won’t forget. “We just wanted to make sure he was safe,” Kodi said. “We had no idea his story would turn out like this.”
From a tragic accident in Wyoming to a reunion in Oregon, Chewie’s story stands as a testament to resilience, compassion, and the small miracles that happen when people choose to care.
As Chewie makes his way home — safe, healthy, and wagging his tail — his journey reminds everyone that even in the face of loss, hope can still find its way back.
