5-pound poodle survives 8 days in wilds of S.C. island

Little Louie had disappeared.

All 5 pounds of him lost somewhere in dense woods on Daufuskie Island.

Many residents of the island suspected the little poodle would be food for a gator, coyote, owl or caught in some other danger.

Louie had run off July 6 while his owner, Susan Nolan, was visiting her daughter, Taylor Nolan, on the island.

"A massive effort was launched to find the little dog," says Deborah Smith, a resident who helped with the search. "Flyers were posted all over the island and many residents constantly searched the area where he had last been seen."

On Tuesday, eight days since Louie had disappeared, a search with about 30 residents was organized.

But before it could begin, it was called off.

Smith had spotted Louie. He was in woods about 100 feet from a main road.

"He was dirty, thin, hungry and thirsty, but he was alive," Smith said. "Everyone was celebrating when the news swept the island about Louie's rescue."