Banjo has always had a great nose — a talent his dad has helped him develop since he was a young puppy. But the 9-month-old German wirehaired pointer had no idea that one day it would save a fellow dog’s life.
Last week, Banjo and his dad were cross-country skiing near their home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, when the pup picked up an unusual scent on the trail.
“Banjo has a distinct tail whip and body movement when he’s around fresh animal scent, so when I saw him run for the trees I knew something was there,” Kerry, who asked that his last name not be used, told The Dodo. “I assumed it was going to be a porcupine, bird or rabbit.”
From Banjo’s uncertain reaction, Kerry could tell something unusual was hiding in the bush. He skied closer just as a furry, golden head popped out of the snow.
Kerry could see that the lost dog had dug a burrow in the snow where he had been sleeping for several days. “He was terrified and chilly,” Kerry said. “He allowed Banjo near him, but I couldn’t get very close.”
The pair moved closer, and as they did a furry golden head popped out of the snow.
Kerry could see that the lost dog had dug a burrow in the snow where he had been sleeping for several days.
“He was terrified and chilly,” Kerry said. “He allowed Banjo near him, but I couldn’t get very close.”
“Only when I put his owner on speakerphone did he show signs of moving,” Kerry said. “I was able to coax him out of the bush with some treats, but he still wouldn’t let me get that close.”
Kerry called the local animal control, who were able to get in touch with the dog’s worried owners.
The lost dog’s name was Louie and he had disappeared days earlier at the nearby dog park.
Louie’s Mum was out searching for him when she got the call that he had been found. She sprinted for half an hour through knee-deep snow to reach him.
When Louie saw her, his fear magically disappeared.
“Banjo was stolen in August, so I held back some tears as I kinda know the feeling!” Kerry said.
“There were lots of friends of Louie and some laughs and happy tears from his owner Julia — a waggy butt and a very excited and hungry Louie! It was lovely.”
“They had some food for him back at the vehicle,” he added. “And I handed some extra treats to Julia along with a beer to celebrate.”
Thanks to Banjo, Louie is now at home with his family – safe and sound where he belongs!