A RCMP dog handler is being credited for saving the life of an elderly man who went missing while on a walk with his dog on Sunday.
Williams Lake RCMP were notified at about 8:15 p.m. on March 9 that an 80-year-old man had not returned home from his walk. He reportedly left his home in 150 Mile House at 4 p.m., but had not been seen since.
Family members were concerned as the man suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease and the temperature was falling rapidly. RCMP, along with Search and Rescue, 150 Mile House Fire Department and Police Service dog “Clive” were called to assist in locating the missing man.
At 10:30 pm, dog handler Cpl. Gord Rutherford and Clive found the man on a trail a few kilometers away from his house. He appeared to be suffering from hypothermia and was unable to walk. After notifying family and emergency crews that he had located him, Rutherford carried the man out on his back, through the deep snow for quite a long distance. The man was later transported to the Cariboo Memorial Hospital where he received medical attention and was expected to make a full recovery.
Global News has asked RCMP if the man’s dog made it home safely as well, and are waiting on a response.
“The actions of Cpl. Rutherford were integral in ensuring a positive outcome in this event,” said Insp. Warren Brown of the Williams Lake Detachment. “The Williams Lake RCMP would like to thank Williams Lake Search and Rescue, 150 Mile House Fire Department, friends and neighbours for their swift response and assistance to this successful search.”
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