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Missing Elderly Woman With Dementia Found Thanks To Rescue Dog And Trainer

SAN RAMON (CBS SF) -- There was a happy ending to the frantic search for a missing grandmother with dementia.

After four days, rescue crews and a well-trained Labrador Retriever, found 77-year-old Luba Lusherovich.

The San Ramon woman went missing Wednesday. She went out for a walk and never came home.

Searchers combed the area, armed with her photo and a description -- 5 foot, 5 inches tall, 150 pounds with distinctive pink hair and a heavy Russian accent. Her son never gave up hope.

"I mean, what can I say...it's a miracle," said Gene Lusherovich.

Saturday, searchers decided to cast a wider net. It was thanks to the instincts of a yellow Lab named Ammo, and his specially-trained owner, that Luba was spotted behind a home along Norris Canyon Road.

ammo
Ammo, the Labrador Retriever who led searchers to missing Luba Lusherovich, plays with his ball. (CBS)

"There was a little creek, and I looked down, and called her name, and she waved her arm," said Sonya Roth of the California Rescue Dog Association. "I went down and held her hand, and that was the best feeling in the world."

San Ramon Police Sgt. Hollis has nothing but praise for the searchers who worked so hard to find her.

"These are extraordinary people from everyday walks of life and they all have extra special skills," said Hollis. "They all have a passion to do what they've done."

The elderly woman's family said she was recovering in the hospital, but they are anxious to get her home. They are also very grateful to the volunteers for their countless hours of work.

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