A search and rescue team rescued a senior pet after witnesses said they saw her owner abandon her while driving in a British Columbian hamlet that had been evacuated due to wildfire danger.
COSAR personnel were assisting in the enforcement of a wildfire discharge order in the Central Okanagan a few of evenings prior when they spotted a guy who they had just asked to leave repelling only to quit and then ej.ect the dog from the car.
The group revealed on Facebook how they first talked with the La Casa Hotel’s home owner:
“Due to linguistic barriers, a lengthy conversation ensued, and eventually a phone translation was necessary,” the team noted.
“As the party passed through the area, they saw a man departing in his truck, only to stop 100 yards up the road and hurl an elderly dog from his vehicle before continuing out of the resort and south down Westside Road,” the message stated.
Employees went to the canine’s aid and returned her to the company’s headquarters. “The squad managed to capture the canine and bring her back to command post,” they stated, “where she was handed food and water as well as the moniker ‘Smokey.’”
Smokey didn’t have a collar or a tattoo, so they kept that in mind. One of the COSAR staff members brought her home for the evening after feeding her.
“I understand how difficult these times are, but what happened was unacceptable,” COSAR search manager Duane Tresnich said.
In the aftermath of an unprecedented warm dome that resulted in multiple deaths and damage to Lytton, BC, the Canadian province has been witnessing a summer marked by record-breaking heat and destructive wildfires. Wildfires continue to threaten a number of communities across the province, with the White Rock Lake wildfire being one of the worst. The Regional Area of Central Okanagan was forced to evacuate nearly 2000 residents as a result of the fire.
Smokey is currently in the care of Dr. Moshe Oz, a local veterinarian who has agreed to assist Smokey in finding a new home.
” Throughout the emptyings, Dr. Oz has been fantastic. “He’s always willing to go above and beyond to help people,” COSAR search supervisor Duane Tresnich said. “It’s my understanding that a suitable residence will be found when Dr. Oz examines Smokey.”
