10 Years Ago

So much time has passed and yet it seems like only yesterday. My heart will always remember the kind, unselfish deed that was done on that day. Lou and Bonny Baird. It is because of their caring, love and desire to act instead of just walk away that we were given one of our most treasured gifts.

This gentle man and his loving wife set out on a trip. They drove all the way from Alberta. They were stopping and enjoying B.C.'s beautiful campsites. They pulled into one to enjoy lunch while in Bella Coola. That's where the four scraggly, emaciated scruffs sauntered out of the bushes.  They had not long to live, and would not have, with out the intervention that followed.

April 29 2008 Left to right: Bella, Chinook, King and Spring

The couple went through great lengths to find a rescue group that would take these four and provide the care they needed to save them. They were told countless times,"I'm sorry we're full and can not take them in."  Their search grew wider and wider until they finally found one that was 13 hours away from them. They packed up and drove the four sickly dogs out to receive the proper attention they deserved. Turtle Gardens Rescue Society from Topley BC is no longer operating. The CEO at that time, Yvette Labatte, went above and beyond to open her already bursting at the seams doors to bring them in and provide the medical attention and FOOD that all four needed. They stayed with her until each one found a Happy Ever After family.

Safe at Turtle Gardens Rescue Society

To this day, no one knows how those four dogs ended up lost or abandoned in that forest in Bella Coola. What we do know is that without Lou and Bonnie Baird detouring their vacation, and Yvette's willingness to accept those dogs, they would surely not have survived another week.

King on his first day HOME with us. Feb 2009

Those dogs came to be known by many people as the Bella Coola Four. Lou and Bonny had named them after the salmon that frequent the Bella Coola area. Spring, Chinook, Bella, and King.

Lou and Bonny visit King at home 2009

Yvette and King at Reunion 2010

All four were eventually adopted and lived healthy happy lives. We were fortunate enough to have been chosen to be the adoptive family to King. He lived with us for 8 yrs. until he was approx. 14 yrs old. He stayed healthy and happy for a very long time.
He passed away in our loving arms on April 8th 2016.  

Today I remember and know, King still looks down over all of us and gives a howl of appreciation for all that was given to him and his pack on this day 10 years ago! Thank you Lou and Bonny! Thank you Yvette Labatte

You can read the full story written by Author Nancy Bain here
Bella Coola Four   www.amazon.com/Nancy-Bain/e/B00E5ME802

www.amazon.com/Nancy-Bain/e/B00E5ME802