Cash stood by her owner’s side for years and when her owner, Jake Baysinger of La Salle, Colorado, took his own life six weeks ago on the Pawnee National Grasslands about 75 miles northeast of Denver, Colorado, Cash continued to stand by her owner’s side.

Cash, a German shepherd and the family dog belonging to Jake, his wife Sara and their two-year-old son Lane, survived the six weeks by eating field mice and rabbits authorities said.

After an extensive six week search failed to find Jake, a local rancher, Kip Konig, spotted Cash and eventually discovered the body of Jake Baysinger along with his pickup truck and the handgun he apparently used to commit suicide nearby. Authorities said Cash probably kept coyotes and other animals away from Jake’s body.

Sara said that Lane is “very close to that dog” and happy to see her once again after Cash was reunited with the two on Monday.

This is a deeply sad story for both Sara and Lane Baysinger but it must be somewhat comforting to have their dog back. Cash’s loyalty is almost unheard of these days and I’m glad she was found in decent health and able to return to their loving arms.

There are no known reasons yet as to why Jake may have committed suicide. In Jake’s last few moments and for six weeks afterwards, Cash was with him and in a way by having Cash with Jake, they were all with Jake a little bit.

Tearing away a small boy’s father and a beloved pet he’s “very close to” would be heartbreaking. I’m sure Cash will have a special place in Lane’s heart for the rest of his life, which already makes me sad to think about Cash’s passing.