If it's a natural "disastor" it can make them all feel afraid, but if it's an animal the larger protectors might feel guilty

Wayy back grimm and I discussed a fire? I expect the climate and wildfire situation out in cali wouldn't have gotten any better over the years, so perhaps it's a very common thing? From there, seperation could certainly happen, and your idea quad, they stumble across the body? Or it could be a dramatic failure to escape a predetor or otherwise? (Mutated animals wouldn't be uncommon, I would think, from the radiation. Perhaps there's brain effects to cause increased aggression?)

A fire might make sense, but you might never know which body is Geralt

I assume they'd be able to recognize him, even burnt?

u u h rockslides are also an option? dust storms?

I think they'd be able to recognize him whether he's burnt to a crisp or not, since he's so smol... but I do like the idea of a rockslide or somethin' like that....

Depends on the size of the fire. More often than not, I'd imagine that an animal (or person, for that matter) is likely to succumb to smoke inhalation rather than actual fires burning them up, so it could be entirely possible to stumble across the battered but otherwise unburned body of poor little Geralt. If we went the fire route, he'd probably still be recognizable. Our doggos have their sense of smell and an innate awareness of their "pack", I'd think.

If not a fire, there are definitely other routes to consider, as mentioned above. Or maybe even a combo of fire and something else like scary mutated animals to separate them and create some drama.

Hm, maybe they're aware of the fire, but get driven into it by a rockslide or, as you said quad, a pack of mutant creature things? That, or a lightning strike happens while they're asleep or something. Regardless, I'm definitely on board with the fiery route :)

a sinful sandwhich post has arrived

Ah yes, the most delicious of all sandwiches.

just over here avoiding the temptation to make it a double.