Dear Editor:
Escaping bad news these days isn’t easy, and listening to the general public you often hear remarks of a grim future and “what is wrong with people these days!” States of stress often follow the hearing and watching of these stories.
Well, folks, here’s some good news. There are still people in this world with kind hearts, willing to go out of their way for a total stranger.
On Aug. 3, the Merritt area was experiencing quite a storm, and by the afternoon, many dogs throughout the city had run from their homes because of the loud claps of thunder, including Marion and Tony Sawchuk’s border collie Jake.
A gentleman by the name of Valer Ruel’, was driving back to North Vancouver on the Coquihalla Highway when he spotted a border collie near the Comstock exit.
The dog was running wildly in the thunder, lightning, and pouring rain. Mr. Ruel’ felt sorry for the dog and stopped. While standing out in the rain, the dog caught sight of him and darted under the vehicle. After soft-spoken convincing, the frightened dog crawled out and jumped in the vehicle.
Mr. Ruel’ arrived in Merritt that same day at 5 p.m. for Jake’s happy reunion with Marion.
He was ragged, bandaged, limping, but filled with joy to see his owner!
A reward was offered, but refused by Mr. Ruel’ with only the monetary exchange for fuel. Mr. Ruel’ said “I’m an animal lover and I hope someone would do the same for me if the need ever arose.”
Mr. Ruel’ phoned to check on Jake’s condition the following day as well.
So, folks, there still are good people out there willing to go the distance. Kudos to Mr. Ruel’ and the Lonsdale Vet clinic.
Many thanks.

The Sawchuk family of Marion, Tony, and Rhonda.
Merritt