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Derik Hodgson and Badger have experienced so many things together. They even owe each other their lives.

Hodgson has lived in rural Ontario for decades. His cabin is remote. And that’s the way he likes it.

For years, Hodgson lived alone. But then one day, Badger came into his life.

At first, Hodgson mistook Badger for a baby bear. But on closer inspection, the man realized that he was a puppy.

Someone had abandoned the dog during the harsh Canadian winter.

Hodgson brought the puppy into his cabin and gave him some food and drink.

Pretty soon, Badger had perked up. Hodgson worked out that the puppy was a rottweiler-labrador mix.

Initially, Hodgson was going to drop Badger off at a shelter. But with each passing day, he put it off.

Then Hodgson took Badger to meet his ladyfriend, Michelle Walsh. Hodgson explained how he kept on intending to take the dog to the shelter, but that he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Michelle could tell that Hodgson was falling in love with the dog.

Eventually, Hodgson realized that he had to keep the dog around for good.

The years went by, and Hodgson and Badger became ever closer. Pretty soon, Hodgson involved Badger in all of his activities. The two even went skiing on frequent occasions. But one day, Badger would end up saving Hodgson.

During one of the coldest spells that Ontario had ever seen, Hodgson and Badger went out to have fun. Hodgson wanted to photograph the bald eagles at his nearby lake.

Being an old fashioned kind of guy, Hodgson forgot to take a cell phone with him. He also underestimated the cold and neglected to dress appropriately.

When Hodgson reached a steep hill near the lake, he slipped and fell down hard. He landed on the ice covering the water and skidded out.

Hodgson soon gathered his wits and tried to stand. But he had broken his leg in several places. He kept on falling over.

All that Hodgson could do was shout for help, but no one was around, other than Badger.

Hypothermia was starting to set in. Hodgson started to realize that soon, it would be too late for him.

But then, Badger reached Hodgson’s side. Hodgson grabbed on to Badger’s collar. He said “Mush, Badger, mush!” The dog started pulling Hodgson along the ice.

Soon, Badger had dragged his owner to the edge of the lake, where the incline was gentle.

The dog kept on dragging Hodgson, until he reached the driveway of Hodgson’s cabin. At last, Hodgson realized that he was going to make it.

Badger and Hodgson finally reached the back door of the cabin. Hodgson let go of the dog and reached for the handle. He crawled inside, into the warmth of his home.

Soon, Hodgson was able to reach his phone and call 911.

At the hospital, the doctors were able to treat Hodgson.

Hodgson’s ladyfriend took Badger in while Hodgson recovered. The dog was happy to be around someone he knew well. But he grew more and more worried for Hodgson.

When Hodgson finally returned home, Badger was overjoyed to see his owner upright and walking, albeit with the aid of crutches.

“There’s no question that I’m alive because of a dog that I found in the bush.” – Derik Hodgson.

Hodgson and Badger love one another unconditionally. Hodgson may no longer be as spry after the accident. But the two still spend as much time enjoying life as possible.

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Source: Purina Canada