Chris Palmer went missing in North Carolina with his dog and is now believed to be dead

Photo of Chris Palmer kneeling next to his dog.Chris Palmer and his dog, Zoey.Credit : National Park Service

The family of Chris Palmer, the hiker who went missing in North Carolina’s Outer Banks and is believed to be dead, is sharing an update on the man’s dear dog.

Chris, 39, and his dog were declared missing on Jan. 12, three days after the man last contacted his family, when his truck was found on a North Carolina beach, according to the National Park Service. After two weeks of searching, on Saturday, Jan. 24, the Palmer family made the “difficult decision” to stop all active efforts.

Dad Bren Palmer also shared an update on Zoey, Chris’s dog, who was considered missing with her owner.

In a Facebook post, Bren said that Zoey was very ill, and the family believes Chris’s dog died first.

“She was a beautiful, well-behaved 11-year-old German Shepherd that he loved,” Bren wrote of Zoey and Chris. “She has been by his side since she was a puppy.”

Photo of Chris Palmer kneeling next to his dog.

Chris Palmer and his dog, Zoey.National Park Service

“Zoey was very sick, took several medications and also had sever [sic] hip dysplasia,” Bren’s post continued. “It’s our belief that our son spent some time in the woods to be with her in her final days. Evidence of that was a shovel found in his truck, and after he passing he laid her to rest and continued his trip to the coast.”

Bren then thanked those who offered messages of concern and prayers for Zoey, and attached a photo of the dog. Zoey had black-and-tan, fluffy fur and light brown eyes, and in the image, she holds a toy between her teeth.

In his post on Jan. 24, Chris’s father said the family’s choice to stop searching for Chris was made “with heavy hearts and profound sorrow.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“We recently learned that Christopher was facing a terminal illness. Knowing this has helped us understand the choices he made,” Bren wrote in the post. “Christopher loved the outdoors and valued his independence. The treatments ahead would have taken much of that away, and he did not want that future for himself.”

Dare County traffic camera image of Chris Palmer's vehicle and kayak on the afternoon of Jan. 9.

Chris Palmer’s truck, which was later found by the sea.National Park Service

He added that the family believes Chris “perished in the sea,” and while it’s been heartbreaking for them to come to terms with, the Palmer family has “found a measure of peace in that understanding,” Bren wrote.

“We are deeply proud of the man Christopher was, and we hope his story brings awareness to the emotional and mental burdens people can face during serious medical challenges,” Bren added, noting it has been “profoundly humbling” to see such an outpouring of love from the public.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.