An RCMP Dog handler and his trusty pooch are being lauded as heroes after rescuing an 80-year-old BC man after he became lost in deep snow.
The elderly man, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, left his home in 150 Mile House around 4 p.m. last Sunday to take his dog for a walk. When four hours passed and the man had not yet returned, concerned family members alerted local police.
With temperatures dropping to below freezing, BC RCMP officers, Search and Rescue, the local fire department, and service dog Clive began their search for the man.
Two hours later, Dog Handler Cpl. Gord Rutherford and Clive found the man on a trail a few kilometers away from his house. It’s believed he became disoriented then lost while on the walk. The elderly man appeared to be suffering from hypothermia and unable to continue walking. Rutherford carried the man on his back through the deep snow for a lengthy distance until the man could be safely transported to the Cariboo Memorial Hospital.
“The actions of Cpl. Rutherford were integral in ensuring a positive outcome in this event,” said Insp. Warren Brown of the Williams Lake Detachment in a release.
The man is currently recovering and expected to make a full recovery.
Clive the dog is expected to be spoiled in treats and pats for a job well done.
