GREELEY, Colo. -- A German shepherd that was reported lost in June has actually been guarding her owner's body for six weeks after the man took his own life in the remote northeast Colorado plains.

"Cash" the dog was found alive on Sunday, next to the body of her master, Jake Baysinger, 25, a resident of La Salle.

Weld County Deputy Coroner Gracie Marquez said Tuesday Baysinger's death was ruled a suicide. The cause of death hasn't been determined but authorities found a gun nearby.

His 3-year-old dog was found thin and dehydrated, but veterinarian's said she is otherwise OK. Officials said there was evidence the Cash ate mice and rabbits to stay alive during her 40 days and nights alone on the Pawnee National Grassland in Weld County. Investigators said the dog probably protected her master's body by keeping coyotes away.

"She's been such a good dog. I knew that if she was there, she was doing her best to take care of Jake," said Baysinger's wife, Sara Baysinger.

The family credits Cash for helping authorities find the missing man and helping to bring closure to the family.

"At least we know it's over now. We'd been looking for my husband for six weeks, and this isn't how we wanted it to end, at least we can close this," Sara said. "It was a relief to know that there's an end and that we still have a part of Jake."

Jake Baysinger was reported missing on June 28, and authorities say they believe he died that day. An extensive aerial search failed to locate him, but rancher Kip Konig spotted Cash last weekend. Konig went to investigate and discovered Baysinger's body and his pickup.

Konig said Cash kept running back to the pickup and jumping into the front seat.

"I got the sense she was trying to tell me where her master was," Konig said.

Cash was checked out at the Weld County Humane Society and then reunited with Sara, and Jake's 2-year-old son, Lane, on Monday.

"She was extremely excited. She scratched my chest. She was jumping on me and excited to get out of there. She got in the truck and was licking on me," Sara said. "We need to put some weight on her. She's a big dog and looks too skinny."

When Lane saw Cash, he yelled and ran for her, trying to find some bones or treats to give her, she said.

"He's very close to that dog," she said. "He's very happy to see (Cash)."