A Kelowna family’s pet dog has been reunited with them after enduring, escaping, and fleeing from a vehicle rollover incident. Dearah Jordan and her three-year-old mini Australian shepherd named Daisy were returning from a lake outing when they were caught in an accident on Highway 33 near Kelowna, B.C.
Upon regaining consciousness after the vehicle stopped rolling, Jordan realized Daisy was missing. Despite sustaining seatbelt burns, a sore neck, scrapes, and bruises, her primary concern was locating her beloved dog. Hindered by well-intentioned emergency responders urging her to seek medical evaluation, Jordan eventually underwent a series of tests at Kelowna General Hospital to ensure no severe injuries were concealed behind her external injuries.
Driven by her unwavering determination to find Daisy, Jordan’s search was temporarily halted by medical protocols. Meanwhile, members of the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) and the RCMP, responding to a separate incident nearby, learned about the missing dog. Forrest Kellerman from COSAR, touched by the story and compelled by personal reasons (owning two Australian shepherds), led the search effort.
Despite COSAR’s standard protocol not including animal searches, Forrest mobilized resources and expertise, aided by community support. Following extensive searches involving trained responders and volunteers, Daisy was discovered four days after the accident, nestled in the truck that collided with Jordan’s vehicle.
The emotional reunion between Daisy and her owners was a momentous occasion, with tears of joy and relief. Daisy, found in good health but exhausted from her ordeal, was promptly taken to the vet for a check-up. Jordan expressed gratitude for the miraculous reunion and hoped for the recovery of the truck driver involved in the accident, who also has a pet dog. The community’s unwavering support and the tireless efforts of search teams played a crucial role in reuniting Daisy with her family.