First I wish to thank all of the amazing people who took such a major part in enabling me to rescue and bring to my home this amazing boy. Those of you who took the time to email the Mayor of Hay River, those of you who signed the online petition.
Special thanks to Michelle Nadon founder of Cause 4 Paws (C4P) located in Ontario, to Sarah West founder of the Canadian Federation for Animal Welfare (CFAW), Jean McCarthy a dear friend in Ontario and Lawrence Pinksy who is so busy raising needed funding to help cover Loki’s vetting and other needs.
To list each and everyone by name is an impossible task so I will not even make that attempt.
As some may already know, Eldad Hagar founder of Hope for Paws based in L.A., California, was contacted by both Jean and Sarah, who in turn gave me a call at home, with just days left before the deadline of September 30th. I called Eldad and we spoke at length, formulating a plan for LOKI’s capture.
The backbone in this plan was a wonderful lady, Bonnie Crowther who lives down the street from me, and who also ensured Loki received proper nourishment during his wild days. She and her beautiful dog China walk every day and Loki would always accompany them. LOKI spent much of his time at Bonnie C’s, laying in the company of China.
Following Eldad’s instructions, Bonnie C began coaxing LOKI to eat inside her garage. Eldad had told us if he would eat inside for two days in a row thenEldad would catch the next plane to get here. Well Bonnie succeeded and Loki became comfortable eating in her garage.
Eldad arrived at the Hay River Airport at 2:45 pm on Thursday September 26th. Meeting him at the airport, he followed me to my home, checked out the dog run, decided it was not strong enough and I took him over to Bonnie C’s to see Loki and to speak with her. Eldad had checked out Loki’s FB page prior so had a good idea as to the size of Loki. He and I then went about locating and purchasing additional chain link reinforcement for the dog run. It now has 2 and three layers of added chain link.
After having gotten Eldad checked into the hotel where I work as the Financial Administrator, and getting a good meal into us both, Eldad retired to his room and I headed home. Eldad’s parting comment was to the effect of would it not be great if we got him tonight. With the deadline date to get Loki captures only 4 days away…well…
I had just crawled into my own bed, relieved that Eldad was here when I got the phone call. Bonnie C had been able to close her garage door and trap Loki inside. Rushing over to her place, my heart was pounding and I was trembling. Eldad was already there and together he and I entered her garage. LOKI being terrified had reacted in fear and was now sitting on top of Bonnie’s freezer. We entered slowly and I was able to calm him with my voice and humming, I sat on the garage floor with Eldad standing behind me. Gradually as I continued in a soft voice, Eldad took baby steps and approached LOKI eventually being able to sit on the freezer next to Loki. Using the end of the catch pole(no drugs or catch pole were used) wrapped in a towel, Eldad placed it behind his back and was able to ease the towel to Loki’s side and began touching him gently with it. I was shocked. Within a few moments Eldad told me he was petting Loki with his bare hand.
Myself having never been allowed to pet Loki, I immediately asked “What does his coat feel like”, the answer “amazing so soft”. I slowly approached Loki and for the first time in the three and a half years we have journeyed together, I was able to hold him. I cannot describe the incredible joy.
Eldad slept on top of the freezer that first night, with LOKI up there with him. Friday the next day, I slept on the garage floor with Loki in my arms the whole day while Bonnie C and Eldad began re-inforcing the run. Eldad took over sleeping with Loki in her garage that night.
More work was done on the dog run all day Saturday, and without Bonnie C, none of this would have been possible. This amazing and dedicated woman worked like a construction guy, lacing the additional chain link purcahsedd by Eldad, to the existing, going over everything with an eagles eye to ensure that Loki would not only be safe but also unable to escape. Eldad purchased the additional chain link to wrap around the run and I purchased the chain link flooring. Eldad also added to Loki’s comfy bed linens (4 more comforters and another fleecy blanket).
Saturday evening we planned to relocate Loki to my home and the dog run. Remarkably our fears of getting him into the large borrowed transport carrier was ill founded. Loki calming walked into the carrier on his own. We loaded him into Bonnie C’s truck and in the darkness of night got him into the dog run. That night and Sunday I had the immeasurable pleasure of the first sound sleep I have had since Loki had been given a basic death sentence if I did not get him secured and safe at my home. Of course I slept in the dog run, Loki, calmly curled up in my arms, both of us safe and sound.
Both Bonnie C and her husband Roy came back on Sunday and Roy had picked up some gravel and earth for one portion of the run near the door so that Loki can do his business. Bonnie also brought a bale of straw as well. Additional run reinforcements were made. Eldad came over and spent time working on the run as well as spending time with Loki.
Monday morning Eldad again came by before he headed out to catch his flight out of Hay River. I will be forever grateful that he chose to be a part of Loki’s journey.
Bonnie C comes over regularly to spend time with her beloved Loki, and of course the work that I and Loki are doing now in this newest chapter of our journey together, is slow, calm and steady. I will not push him, all must be on his terms, I will not see his spirit broken, nor will I do anything to lose his respect and his trust. Sleeping outside with him is all part of the growing bond that we share. He has made friends with my own dog Hemi, who has a remarkable calming affect on Loki, which is easing the transition.
I was so proud of Loki yesterday, his second venture outside the run, he did so well calmly exploring the backyard he knows so well. Tethered securely and also fashioned to me physically, he enjoyed the ability to explore and relax outside the run, his head uplifted watching the birds fly overhead, smelling the plants and investigating all manner of scents. Not yet leashed trained, but learning, I am hopeful that soon I will be able to bring him inside the house as well as taking him for long walks like we used to take together.
Patience on both our parts, silent communication and most of all mutual respect and trust will see Loki transition slowly and without additional emotional trauma. His remarkable eyes fixed on mine tell a story so intense it is not to be believed unless personally experienced. The trust and strong bond we have shared for over three years continues to grow.
LOKI is living proof that the impossible can be made possible. He has touched the hearts of total strangers around the world, uniting all for the sole purpose of saving his life. He proves that when we all work together miracles do happen.
It is my hope that Loki’s continuing story will inspire others to step up and go beyond what appears to be limits and impossible situations, to stick with it, to never give up.
Please visit Loki’s FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-LOKI-Sole-Survivor/188340937903082
Funds are being raised to secure the cost of Loki’s vetting and any other initial needs. When visiting Loki’s FB page: Friends of Loki, should you wish information as to how to make a donation for this beautiful gentle sould, please Private Message Lawrence Pinsky, or leave a comment on this page.
Please share Loki’s Story – He is amazing.
THANK YOU FROM LOKI.
Filed under: ALERTS, Commitment, dogs in Canada's north, Good News, LOKI, LOKI : fact not fiction Tagged: ALERT, animal cruelty in Canada's North, Commitment & Devotion, Family Members deserve the Best, Immunization for a Healthy Pet, LOKI Sole Survivor, LOKI UPDATES, Philly's Corner
