Industry News
On Thursday, December 14, 2023, Jacob (Jake) Dalbey shared the first picture on his Instagram story of what could be his missing dog Ullr. The picture was taken by an unidentified female who had spotted a dog of the right size and breed with markings resembling Ullr in the area Jake had been suspecting Ullr to be in.
Ullr and his owner were caught in an avalanche on Chair Mountain, near Marble, CO, on Friday, March 17, 2023, which saw one man killed and two people buried. The avalanche broke above the treeline on the east-facing slope about one mile south of Chair Mountain, southwest of Marble. The avalanche was about four to six feet deep, 400 feet wide, and ran 2,500 vertical feet over three distinct cliff bands, nearly reaching Rapid Creek in the valley bottom. Jake managed to free himself, digging himself out for several hours.
It is unclear what exactly happened to Ullr, but it is believed he is alive. Jake tried to grab his dog as the avalanche broke but could not reach him. After the avalanche, both Jake as well as rescue workers saw dog tracks leaving the avalanche debris below the second cliff band and closely following the skin track down the Rapid Creek drainage. Other searchers confirmed dog tracks exiting Rapid Creek through the ravine and onto Gunnison County Road 3. Therefore it is strongly believed that Ullr is still alive. Ullr has been missing for 9 months now but Jake is not losing faith that his dog is alive and well.
“Ullr has been spotted recently by hiker. Since the avalanche, sightings have been few and far between due to the terrain. Jacob Dalbey, Ullr’s owner is extremely grateful for the support of local community and the lost dog community providing expert advice and coaching. During recent sighting, Hiker was able to provide pictures of a dog that resembles Ullr. Pictures are from a distance and blurry. If Ullr, he looks like he is healthy and dogging well. Goal now is to place more flyers in area of sighting, establish a food station, and provide a safe space for dog in survival. Once dog attends a food station regularly and settles into the area, then containment plans can be discussed.”
— Jacob Dalbey
We were hoping to bring you more concrete news or the news that Jake and Ullr were re-united, especially because we regularly receive readers’ emails and messages, asking about Ullr. However, this is the most concrete sighting of Ullr Jake has had and we therefore wanted to share the photos to give you all an update. Maybe we can all pray for a Christmas miracle for Jake and Ullr before the deepest snow sets in for the next three months.
If you do happen to be in the Marble, Colorado, area, please be aware that Ullr is in survival mode. Please do not approach him, chase, follow, whistle, or call, etc. If you want to help, please observe and report potential sighting via call or text to 970-596-3221. Ullr’s owner is working with an experienced canine recovery team to bring him home safely. Please, do not go out searching for Ullr. If you see Ullr, treat him like a stray cat: STOP, DROP, SNAP PIC, OBSERVE & REPORT – so that he does not bolt into danger like traffic. Every interaction with people needs to be positive, so the dog builds trust of humans. If you approach or make verbal contact, he will bolt. Please do not post sightings publicly here. Call and/or text number or private message Jake on Instagram. Thanks for all the community support.
