Family Seeks Answers After Dog Camp Loss Turns Tragic In Saratoga County

In September we reported on the story of Wilson, a golden retriever missing in Saratoga County. Wilson had been in the care of Adirondack Sniffari, a mobile outdoor adventure camp for dogs operating out of the Glens Falls area. Sadly, after 8 days of searching, Wilson was found deceased.

Many questions have been left unanswered since Wilson went missing. What exactly happened? Who is responsible? Why did it take nearly 3 hours to notify Wilson's family that he was missing? How did his handlers lose sight of Wilson?

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Through the Justice for Wilson campaign, Wilson's dads, Jason and Kent Nelson are sharing information about the disappearance and death of their beloved golden retriever.

On September 2, 2026 Wilson was picked up by Adirondack Sniffari for his day camp. According to an account provided to the family, Wilson and three other dogs entered a creek over a ledge. The family was told the dogs had been in the water for only a few moments when Wilson “went missing.”

Jason Nelson

According to the press release, the family was also told that the camp counselor then left the location with the other three dogs to place them in a vehicle. Allegedly Wilson remained unaccounted for, with a 30-foot leash attached to him, while the counselor was away from the location where he had last been seen for approximately twenty minutes.

On Thursday, September 10, Wilson’s body, with the 30-foot leash still attached, was discovered atop a pile of downed trees and brush extending across the creek, near the location where he reportedly had last been seen.

Jason Nelson

The circumstances surrounding Wilson’s disappearance, the intervening days, and his eventual discovery remain incompletely explained. The family is sharing the account provided to them while recognizing that significant questions remain unanswered.

Justice for Wilson is Jason and Kent Nelson’s personal campaign seeking answers and accountability concerning Wilson’s disappearance and death. It is separate from Wilson’s Legacy Animal Protection and Advocacy, Inc., the nonprofit corporation established in Wilson’s memory.