VANCOUVER — RCMP are crediting a service dog named Arco for finding a distraught young woman who may not have survived the night in dense bush near Nanaimo, B.C.
Police responded to a report about an 18-year-old woman who threatened to harm herself after some setbacks but she'd taken off into the woods by the time officers arrived with Arco on Thursday afternoon.
Mounties say the seven-and-a-half-year-old dog picked up her scent and led his handler and another officer on a three-kilometre trek through mud-filled ditches, steep slopes and multiple trails before spotting the woman hiding in the bush.
Police say the scared woman soaked in perspiration had several cuts and scrapes and was wearing only a tank top, tights and runners as the temperature dipped.
After much coaxing, she came out from her hiding place and was transported to hospital for an assessment.
Arco, who accompanied the woman on her long walk out of the bush and even received some loving pats from her, received a huge biscuit for his good work.
