Dog Rescues Lost Souls!
Following "R"
This is a true story about a beloved dog named "R" (he was the dog of my then-boyfriend now-husband Mike). "R" led my parents and me out of the woods that we had gotten lost in. We were camping on a large island on Georgian Bay called Beausli Island. This is a beautiful island covered in forest and rocks with many hiking trails throughout it. One late afternoon my parents, "R" and I decided to go for a walk in the woods. Our walk was so peaceful and calming we ended up walking further than we had planned; turning down various trails as we went taking in the natural beauty that surrounded us. My dad suggested that we start heading back to camp as it would be dark soon so we did just that.
Which Trail Did We Take?
All was well until we got to this fork in the trail where there were three separate trails branching off in different directions. The problem arose when we all chose different paths as being the one that would lead us back to our base camp. We were completed surrounded by trees and bush that blocked out most of the natural sunlight and it was starting to get dark and we were lost. We were beginning to feel panic as we realized that we were truly lost in the middle of the woods that were getting darker and darker.
We did not bring a flashlight on our hike as we had no plans for being in the forest after dark. My parents and I were about as far away from the outdoor kind of survival types as you could get. We did not have the "survivor in the woods" know-how or next to none. When we planned to go for our lovely walk in the woods, the thought that we might get lost just did not even come to light at this point. We were all too busy soaking in the natural beauty that surrounded as we walked deeper and deeper into the depths of the woods. Getting further and further away from our campground with each and every step. It was such a magical and peaceful hike that we were all enjoying; that was up until the point where it finally hit us that we were truly lost in the woods! The three humans in the walking party could not agree on what trail was the right one that would lead us back to safety--we were wide-eyed and panicking!
"R" Led the Way
Out of desperation, I said to "R" "Home "R" Home!". He looked up at me like he understood what I was asking of him and then he suddenly started to head down one of the trails giving us a sense that he knew where he was going. My parents and I followed his lead without hesitation. My mum was lagging behind but "R" would stop every so often looking back at my mum; as he did so he would wait for her to get so close and then he would continue on. "R" was like the mother dog and us three humans were his puppies, my mum being like the runt of the littler lagging behind--but "R" would patiently wait till she got close enough to the rest of us before he continued forward towards our campground.
"R" My Hero
Well amazingly "R" led us back to camp unscathed. He was our hero we were so thankful he was with us that day we got lost in the woods. My mum (who is not a real animal lover) had gained a special fondness for "R" our hero who had lead us out of harm's way. This dog had no special training in search and rescue, but he went on his instincts and knew what was needed of him.
In Our Hearts Forever
He lead us down the right path when we needed help to find our way back to our temporary home at the campground. He has since passed away he has gone on to doggy heaven. But he will live on forever in the hearts of many my four-legged friend "R". I know I felt truly blessed to have known this particular special friend of men.
Dedicated to the Memory of "R" Man's Best Friend
