My faith in Hope has been restored – and all because of a dog named Milwaukee from Chilliwack. This dog got spooked and ran off from his people while up hiking the Coquihalla near Zopkios Ridge rest stop. He was found a day later by a kind trucker who was on his way back out to Calgary. While stopping at the Hope Husky, he mentioned finding the dog to Janet and Charlie (Shirley), who work at the restaurant. They didn’t recognize the dog and the trucker said that he would hold onto the dog and pass through Hope again in a few days, figuring that maybe the owners could be found in the meantime.
That same day, while I was at the local Envision in Hope, selling tickets for an upcoming fundraiser at the Goldrush Pub for Our Last Hope Animal Rescue Society, one of the ladies approached our table and told us about the lost dog – a border collie – and what had happened with the trucker. She asked what we thought she should do. I gave her one of our cards and told her to call Jeneane Ruschiensky, the founder of our group, to get her thoughts. She thanked me and went on her way.
When I returned home, there was an email notice from Petsearchers who had a posting for a border collie, lost in the Coquihalla area. I replied with all the information I had (at that time, I did not know Charlie’s name), including the location of the Hope Husky station. The hunt was on and several people on-line joined in the search for Milwaukee and the mystery trucker. Within 24 hours the trucker was located and the owners were gratefully on their way to Calgary to pick up the sorely missed pup.
The reason I am writing this letter to the editor is to let people know in this town and elsewhere, and in particular those who participated so willingly in the “search and rescue” of Milwaukee, that working together we can do good things. Like helping a lost dog find his way home.
From the trucker, to Charlie and Janet, to the many people on line, we all joined forces and made something great happen. Something seemingly small, but something great; and that gives me faith in Hope and the people who are my neighbours.
To some, rescuing a dog is no big deal, but it certainly was to some people in Hope. So to Charlie and Janet, to the unnamed trucker, and everyone who offered their time and help, thank you. You wrote the happy ending to this story of a dog named Milwaukee.
With sincere appreciation and gratitude,
Sharlene Harrison-Hinds,
Hope, B.C.