Janet O’Reilly has been closely monitoring the Wesley Ridge wildfire on Vancouver Island, particularly as her home lies just outside the evacuation alert zone. Despite the ongoing danger, she continues her daily dog walks. One Sunday morning, in the midst of the fire’s noise and aircraft activity, she heard a distressing sound: a dog crying in the woods. O’Reilly initially thought little of it, continuing her route until she heard the sound again on her way back. Although she couldn’t investigate immediately, her concern deepened when a neighbor informed her that they had also heard barking and discovered a dog tied to a tree nearby.
O’Reilly and her friend, despite the long weekend and limited availability of local authorities, began the task of seeking help for the stranded animal. After numerous calls to the SPCA and emergency services yielding no assistance, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Armed with water and food, she approached the area where the dog was tied, with her friend remaining at a distance to avoid startling the animal. O’Reilly was determined to help, assessing the dog’s behavior before attempting to get close and provide nourishment.
When she reached the dog, it eagerly drank water but was initially apprehensive about treats. Observing the tether, O’Reilly noticed it was fastened with a carabiner, which offered a glimmer of hope for freeing the distressed animal. The dog’s gentle demeanor allowed her to unhook the chain and attach a leash, marking a significant step in the rescue. Although the dog was not fully trained to walk on a leash, it seemed content to remain with O’Reilly instead of trying to escape.
After securing the dog, referred to as Eve—named for O’Reilly’s middle name—she contacted the BC SPCA, who promptly agreed to pick up the animal later that night. Initial assessments by the SPCA confirmed that Eve was around two years old and appeared to be in good health. The organization’s representatives expressed curiosity regarding how Eve had ended up in such a precarious situation so close to an evacuation zone.
Despite her ordeal, O’Reilly observed no signs of neglect or mistreatment. She reflected on her daily walks in the area, confident that Eve had not been there long prior to their encounter, suggesting a deliberate abandonment strategy. The unresolved mystery of how Eve came to be tied up near the wildfire zone led O’Reilly to suspicions of malice, believing that whoever left the dog hoped she would not be discovered.
The BC SPCA reassured the community that they provide emergency boarding, emphasizing that animal abandonment is unnecessary. As Eve prepares for veterinary check-ups, there is hope that she will be soon available for adoption. The situation highlights both the resilience of animals and the kindness of those like O’Reilly who step in during crises, underscoring a commitment to animal welfare even in the face of adversity.
