Hundreds of people, and one faithful dog, gathered yesterday for the funeral of a 7-year-old Nova Scotia boy who died after wandering from his home just before a huge snowstorm.

James Delorey, of Nova Scotia, spent two nights lost in the woods with no winter clothing. When rescue teams finally found him unconscious but clinging to life, everyone hoped for a Christmas miracle. But it was not to be. Tragically, he died in the hospital from complications of severe hypothermia.

But it seems James, who was autistic and could not speak, did not endure the torment of his last days by himself. His faithful dog, Chance, stayed by his side. According to news accounts, the dog did not leave him for two days.

There was an imprint in the snow next to where James was found, where Chance had apparently huddled with the boy to keep him warm, reports the CBC.

When Chance did return home two days later, rescuers were able to follow his paw prints back to James. Did Chance know the boy needed more assistance than he could provide? Was he already mourning the boy who wouldnt wake up?

Yesterday Chance rode in the passenger seat of James hearse, and walked into the packed church behind his boys casket. The little boy will be deeply missed by many people and by one faithful canine friend.