Happy New Year!

Photo by Hana Struss

Are you missing your German Shepherd?

UPDATE: This is Riply! She is safe and sound at home with her caretaker. 

A German Shepherd arrived at Paul Jorgensen's house this afternoon and never left. The dog has a collar, including a shocking device, but no identification.

Paul can be reached at 778.994.6788.

Dog rescued from ice fishing hole

photo by Chad Cooper

UPDATE: The dog was Pepper Wynne and is safe and sound! She found her people on the ski trail and was taken home right away to warm up by the fireplace.

A dog fell through a hole in the ice left by fishers today. Fortunately, Kelly Krawchuck spotted the big black lab in distress while cross-country skiing on the lake, and was able to lie down on the ice and pull him out by the collar. Kelly then attempted to warm the dog up the best she could.

It is assumed that the dog's owners were on the other side of the lake because the dog ran off in their direction. Hopefully they noticed that he was wet and cold, and checked for signs of hypothermia. Frostbite may show up on extremities as well (ears and pads especially). If you know of LLJ residents or visitors who have a black lab, please contact them to see if this was their dog.

The hole in the ice was in a terrible location -- close to shore and right beside frequently used ski tracks. It was also very large, and will likely take 2 days or more to freeze over.

So this is a reminder to all ice fishers, you should never leave a large hole unmarked. From what I understand, it is common practice to mark holes with branches. Also, it probably goes without saying, but you should never fill the hole with snow. 

From the Criminal Code of Canada 263:

Duty to safeguard opening in ice263. (1) Every one who makes or causes to be made an opening in ice that is open to or frequented by the public is under a legal duty to guard it in a manner that is adequate to prevent persons from falling in by accident and is adequate to warn them that the opening exists.

Thanks so much to Kelly Krawchuck for saving that dog's life!

Refugees and Friends Together

Thanks to Corinne Shock for raising awareness in our community about the opportunities to donate time, money, and household items to support the 5 Syrian families coming to Kamloops.

• Friday, December 18 -  The Diversity Event (poster below) is an education opportunity for the community, and especially the volunteers who will be helping families directly. You can RSVP via Facebook.
• Saturday, December 19, 10:30-12:00 take household items in GOOD condition (kitchen items, furniture, etc) to 600-800 Mission Flats Road. 
• Donate through United Way. Funds are matched and go directly to help families in the Thompson Nicola Cariboo region
• Donate through CanadaHelps.org (Select RAFT on the pull-down menu)
• Donate through Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Services

click image for a larger view

Stay informed

• RAFT Kamloops Website
• RAFT Refugees and Friends Together Kamloops Facebook Community
• Kamloops Cariboo Regional Services
• #WelcomeRefugees - Government of Canada

TRU Animal Health Technology Adoptions: Ash and Tara

UPDATE: Ash and Tara have both been adopted

Ash

Tara

We are still in need of loving homes for a few remaining animals from the Animal Health Technology program Fall semester. If you are interested in adopting a cat or dog from the AHT Program or you know someone that may be interested PLEASE call 250-828-5174 to make an appointment to view the available animals. We still have 3 cats that need homes.

Ash and Tara are both very nice cats and would love to find a permanent home by the end of the month. Ash is more of a loner and would prefer to be the only cat in the household. Tara is indifferent to other cats so she would do fine with or without another feline companion. You can also check out our pet adoption website at www.tru.ca/science/programs/aht/adoptions

All animals have been spayed /neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, tattooed and dewormed. The current adoption fee is $75.00. We look forward to hearing from you!

Sonia Walczak, AHT, RVT
Lecturer Animal Health Technology
Thompson Rivers University