Dog survives snatch by eagle, cold weather

updated 1:49 p.m. ET Jan. 6, 2005

BOZEMAN, Montana - A dog survived a flight in an eagle's claws then endured a week of sometimes subfreezing weather before finding its way home, a veterinarian said Wednesday.

"He was chilled, but he seemed to be able to walk," John McIlhattan said, referring to Freddie, a 13-year-old Pekingese mix. "He seemed remarkably chipper for what he'd gone through."

Earlier in the day, Freddie showed up at home weighing about 3 pounds less than he did when he was last seen in a neighbor's driveway on Dec. 29.

"We're all just amazed," said Jill Slevin, who said she hadn't found a way to tell her three children that Freddie probably wouldn't come back. "He's our miracle."

Slevin, who was alerted to Freddie's return by the barking of her other dogs, said she put him on a blanket and carried him to McIlhattan. The veterinarian said he surmised Freddie had been snatched by an eagle after examining cuts around the dog's neck.

Freddie had also suffered an eye injury and was covered by ice and insect bites. McIlhattan said the dog probably found a warm shelter, but had to share it with pests.

"He's a pretty lucky dog to be getting home in this kind of weather," he said.

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