Missing dog finally trapped near Merritt after a week on the run in the wilderness

(UPDATE: Feb. 8 @ 11:25 am) - The story of a dog who went missing near Hwy 5A just northeast of Merritt had a very happy ending on Tuesday.

After days of tireless searching, Kahluha was successfully corralled into Angel's Animal Rescue's live trap and reunited with her owner Steve Holloway soon after.

Despite a week alone in the wilderness and being hit by a truck on one of her first days out there, Holloway says Kahluha is relatively healthy after her ordeal.

"She's a little bruised and sore, but nothing broken," he explained. "Her pads are blistered from frostbite and she dropped a lot of weight, but she's home and she's alive and I can fix the rest with time and love."

Angel's Animal Rescue, which is based out of Merritt, led the search for Kahluha and had a large number of people volunteer their time to assist in those efforts.

The organization called the reunion between Holloway and his beloved dog a "joyous" one and thanked everyone who helped get the dog home safe.

(Original story: Feb. 2 @ 8:15 am) - The search is on for a dog who got loose from her caretaker near Merritt.

According to Angel’s Animal Rescue, the dog went missing while in the care of the owner’s friend.

The owner, Steve, is currently undergoing cancer treatment in Kamloops.

“My dog’s name is Kahluha (and) she’s really friendly,” said a statement from Steve provided to Angel’s Animal Rescue. “I’m just terrified she’s gone looking for me.”

Kahluha was reportedly last seen on Hwy 5A near Our Lady of Lourdes Church, which is at Douglas Lake Road.

“It is reported that she may have just been struck by a vehicle moments ago,” explained the update from Angel’s Animal Rescue posted shortly after 7 pm on Wednesday.

Anyone travelling through the area is asked to keep an eye out for Kahluha and to call Judanna at Angel’s Animal Rescue (250-378-5223) or Steve (604-316-0322) if she is spotted.