Lessons in Loyalty: Ohio Retriever Waits Seven Days in Field with Deceased Owner

The body of an Ohio man was recovered Wednesday seven days after he went missing. Parley Nichols, 81 of Stark County, and his Golden Retriever Lady were found in a field outside of Hartville, Ohio. Mr. Nichols was in possession of a local newspaper dated April 7 when his body was discovered. He is believed to have died of natural causes.

According to local officials, Lady spent a week at the side of her master, leaving only to take sips of water from a nearby drainage ditch. His body was discovered only after Lady spotted a passerby and began barking and howling . Terry Nichols expressed relief at the news that Lady had stayed with his father until the very end - and beyond, refusing to leave his side until his body was discovered.

She is now in the care of family members.