It was every dog owner's worst nightmare. Jeff Hayes and his brother-in-law were traveling to Alaska from Alabama with Hayes' dog, a four-year-old Husky mix named Yukon. The men made a detour to a rest stop in British Columbia, Canada, when Yukon slipped his collar and took off running away from the Alaskan highway into the woods. Panicked, Hayes searched until nightfall for his dog, but no sign was found.
Darkness fell, the rough weather came in, and Hayes and his companion had to halt their search. They had to move on, so Hayes put up notices at the rest stop with his family's phone number and contacted the British Columbia SPCA to inform them of Yukon's disappearance.
Yukon holed up not far from where he ran away, and many reports of sightings came in over the next few days. But no matter how many people tried to get Yukon, he kept escaping, too afraid to come near anyone. The search for the frightened dog went on for two weeks, including days where blizzard conditions occurred.
A veterinarian from nearby Fort St. John was brought in to sedate Yukon with tranquilizers so he could be removed from harm, examined for injury, and then reunited with his family. Thankfully, this step worked, and Yukon was brought in by the SPCA with mild dehydration, but none the worse for his adventures.
The Hayes family was overjoyed to hear about Yukon's rescue. One of the Hayes' children had even penned a note to Santa, asking for the return of his beloved dog. “One of his (four) children had even written to Santa asking for Yukon back for Christmas. We’re so glad Santa was able to come through!” said BC SPCA North Peace Branch manager Candace Buchamer.
Not only was Santa able to come through, but he went so far as to deliver Yukon to his family's doorstep!
Volunteer Nick Stoneburgh, part of Alaska-based Carlile Transportation and Edmonton-based Capital Transport trucking, drove Yukon to the Hayes' home.
Because of his resemblance to Santa, Stoneburgh is nicknamed "St. Nick."
With his compassion and care, Stoneburgh made sure that Yukon got home in time for Christmas.
On November 30, Yukon and his family were reunited, and the Hayes were overjoyed to get their four-legged friend back again. Thanks to the caring SPCA volunteers and Stoneburgh, this story had a holiday-happy ending! Share this sweet story with your family and friends on Facebook.