(FOX 11) - A 72-year-old woman survived 9 days in the wilderness, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Ann Rodgers and her dog got stranded on a remote stretch of a back country road on the White River Indian Reservation in Arizona while on the way to visit her grandchildren.
Authorities say she got lost, ran out of gas and became disoriented while walking and climbing around trying to get cell service.
Officials say she and her dog survived the next 9 days and nights by drinking pond water and eating plants.
During an aerial search for Rodgers, rescuer workers spotted the word 'HELP' made out of sticks and rocks. They then found a note under the rocks of the distress signal. The note said Rodgers was out of food and water and was heading down the canyon.
Rescuers found Rodgers shortly after next to a signal fire, waving at a helicopter.
Officials say she was in fair condition and able to board the helicopter with little assistance. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Copyright 2016 FOX 11 Los Angeles : Download our mobile app for breaking news alerts or to watch FOX 11 News | Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube . Be a citizen journalist for FOX 11 and get paid - download the Fresco News App today.