Kali, a 7 year-old golden retriever mix and experienced backcountry camper, recently beat the odds. She made a crucial mistake while hiking in the Canadian wilderness that almost ended her life. The Karaken family had stopped along the Rebecca Falls rapids to check out the extreme water conditions when it happened. Kali, their beloved dog, slipped into the churning white water.
“The water …it was bigger and more powerful than anything I’d take even my boat into, and you just had to figure she’d drowned.”
The family desperately tried to go in after her, but the water was too powerful. After two days hiking downriver, they were doubtful Kali had survived her trip through the perilous water. They packed up their expedition and returned to civilization to mourn their friend. Before they headed home, they left a description of Kali with the forest service, the local back country outfitter, and the wilderness camp they had originally been headed for.
An incredible journey: Pooch plunges over rapids, survives to wag its tail https://t.co/caT4xDlWZX #Quetico pic.twitter.com/osxvthyc6K
— Amy Hadley (@AmyHadleyCBC) August 3, 2016
To their huge surprise, the Karakens received a phone call two weeks later from park rangers with a description of Kali. They told a shocking story of campers finding a dog matching Kali’s description stranded on an island in Lac La Croix, far downriver. Rangers picked up Kali in a boat, then flew her back to meet her family by floatplane. She was healthy! Kali had survived the rapids, going over a waterfall, and 10 days roughing it in the wilderness before her miraculous rescue—and suffered no serious injuries.
Reunited (and it feels so good)
David Karaken drove 20 hours from their home in North Carolina to reunite with Kali, who was just as ecstatic to see him as he was to see her.
Featured image and more of the story thanks to Ontario Parks Department