An Adventurous Trip Turns Dire
In July 2013, 28-year-old Bernardo Leónidas Quirós left with his wife Alejandra, their two daughters, and their German shepherd Talero for a trip across southern Argentina. They planned several hikes before visiting Bernardo’s brother. Talero, a gift to their daughter, had grown into a devoted companion, especially attached to Bernardo.
Stranded in the Wilderness
Midway through their journey, their Renault 19 broke down on a remote Patagonian road with no cell signal. Convinced a town lay just over the mountains, Bernardo decided to go on foot to seek help. Despite Alejandra’s protests, he dressed warmly, called Talero, and set off.
Four days later, shepherd Manuel Enzo found Alejandra and the children near the stalled car. He brought them to the nearest police station, where a rescue team mobilized.
A Search Against the Odds
Rescue teams faced enormous challenges: brutal cold, deep snow, and no clear trail. A severe snowstorm had struck on the day Bernardo left.
As days passed and no trace appeared, search leaders considered ending the search. On day 23, while sweeping Alto Río Senguer’s ridge, rescuers heard barking. A thin, injured German shepherd was running toward them — it was Talero.
The Final Discovery
Rescuers followed Talero across the snow to a bush, where Bernardo’s body lay partly buried. Forensic teams determined Bernardo had likely perished on the first day of the storm. But evidence around the body stunned even seasoned rescuers:
Talero had dug out snow, curled against Bernardo’s body, and stayed by his side for 23 days. Tracks and fur showed he tried to keep his owner warm. Signs of scavenged small animals and healed wounds confirmed Talero had fought predators to protect the body.
Aftermath of a Devoted Watch
Bernardo’s family issued a statement thanking the rescue teams and expressing comfort that Bernardo had not been alone. Talero returned to the family, living four more years until his death from kidney failure. His story spread worldwide, highlighting what had happened in the remote snowfields of Patagonia.
In July 2013, Bernardo Quirós set off with his wife, two daughters, and their German shepherd Talero across Patagonia.
When the car broke down in the wilderness, Bernardo set out with Talero to find help, but a snowstorm hit.
What followed stunned everyone…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/1sdAsqG2GT
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) July 21, 2025