A LABRADOR named Max has been hailed as a hero after coming to the rescue of a teenage boy who got lost during an expedition in Mexico’s Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range.

    Juan Heriberto Trevino, 14, was on a summer camp trip July 17 when he became separated from his group.

    The boy, from Galeana in north east Mexico, was searching for firewood when he slipped down a ravine and, in his disorientation, couldn’t find his way back to camp.

    Fortunately for Juan, Max the dog followed him down the ravine and stayed by his side for the next two days.

    After walking for several hours, Juan took shelter under a tree and pulled Max close to him. The dog spent the night lying on the boy’s legs, keeping him warm.

    The next day, Max found a puddle for both of them to drink from, staving off thirst.

    Juan was eventually rescued after 44 hours in the wilderness, with Max staying by his side the whole time. He was found in the morning of July 19 by two rescuers on horseback. One said, “When he saw us, he ran up and hugged us — he had been so afraid.”

    Police spokesman Martin Castillo told reporters that Juan was “malnourished and very tired, but stable.” He added, “In that part of the mountain, it is very easy to get lost. In addition, it’s very cold at night, as it is very high. The child was lucky to find the dog.”

    (SD-Agencies)