Missing dog from Barrie area found after five days in Smooth Rocks Falls
Northerners are known for banding together to help when trouble strikes. A recent incident in Smooth Rock Falls, an hour northwest of Timmins, has shown yet again, that whether it's a person who's gone missing or a four-legged furry friend, northerners rise to the occasion.
Last week, Jackie, a Jack Russell Terrier, left its foster home in the community of Angus -- near Barrie -- to go live in Kapuskasing.
Jackie and her sister were rescued from the streets of Barbados earlier this spring and brought to Canada. They have been fostered by the Sawden family since May.
“Totally and utterly devoted to them. We’ve had 140 fosters so far and they’ve all went on to beautiful, loving homes," said Julie Sawden.
While on her way to her new northern home, during a travel break in Smooth Rock Falls, Jackie got loose and escaped its new owner and ran away.
People in the community heard about the lost dog on social media and for a week, searched the area.
'She had street smarts'
"She had street smarts going for her, which was really good, but there’s bears and coyotes and you know all kinds of wild things out there that we were afraid of," said Linda Duquette, a member of Jack Russel Terrier Rescue Ontario.
Jackie was finally found in the bush on Friday by Mathieu Martel, a resident of Smooth Rock Falls, while he was kayaking on the Mattagami River.
"She was super loud -- it would have been hard to miss her," Martel said. "She really wanted to be saved I think."
"We went from so devastated to so happy in the space of a minute that it was unreal," added Duquette.
All who know Jackie said they are relieved beyond words, but Sawden said Jack Russell Terriers have a tenacious spirit.
“When you love them, they will dedicate them to yourself and they will fight tooth and nail to survive,” she said.
As a result of the incident, officials with Jack Russell Terrier Rescue Ontario said it's in Jackie's best interest to move back to Angus and live with her sister at the Sawdens.
The organization is touched by the people of Smooth Rock Falls and all the help they gave to find Jackie. It awarded Martel $1,500. Martel, a university student, said he is thankful for the reward and said the experience has taught him to never give up hope.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.