Times-Chronicle Staff
A dog is recovering after suffering burns from the Nk’Mip Creek wildfire.
The BC SPCA has reported that a seven-year-old dog bolted from the fire between Oliver and Osoyoos while he was with his guardian, a seasonal fruit picker.
According to the SPCA, the fire destroyed the place where they had been living.
Special constable Alex Jay said the dog, named Tonnerre (Thunder in French) attempted to flee the flames, causing his owner to frantically search for him.
“He was heartbroken, fearing his pet had died, but Tonnerre re-appeared four days later, covered in burns,” Jay said.
Not knowing where to turn for help, Tonnerre’s guardian drove to his brother’s home in east Vancouver where the SPCA reached out to help.
The dog was subsequently transported to a nearby emergency hospital for treatment (burns to his back and side). Thankfully, the injuries were less serious than first thought, Jay said.
Jay said the dog’s guardian expressed fear that there may be other canines like Tonnerre that were impacted by the fires. He noted that many seasonal workers bring their animals to the South Okanagan as companions during the picking season.
Jay said there have been many animals who needed help this year during the fires in B.C. In some cases, guardians have no choice but to evacuate the area without their pets.
“We’ve seen some heartbreaking situations,” the constable said.
To donate to the SPCA’s cause, visit https://spca.bc.ca/donations/wildfire-alert/?utm_source=news&utm_medium=button&utm_campaign=emergency&utm_content=wildfires2021_Tonnerre
