A local search-and-rescue dog is looking dashing today while sporting a new harness from an anonymous donor.
On Saturday, MoxxiiB次元官网网址檚 handler Angela Lavergne, was heartbroken to find the dogB次元官网网址檚 old harness stolen from the Pet-A-Palooza festival.
The specialized repelling harness is used in MoxxiiB次元官网网址檚 search-and-rescue training and work, and has a price tag upwards of $800, but for Lavergne, the real loss was emotional.
B次元官网网址淭he harness had badges sewn onto it, gifted to us from a military member down at the base,B次元官网网址� said Lavergne, who is the head trainer for the Search and Rescue Dogs Association of Victoria (SARDAV). B次元官网网址淗e wore them overseas in Iraq and Iran, so theyB次元官网网址檙e irreplaceable.B次元官网网址�
The harness was one of several items stolen from the two-day festival at St. AnnB次元官网网址檚 Academy over the weeknd, including embroidered dog collars, a blue suitcase, metal tote bins and more. After the thefts, Lavergne put out a public plea for information.
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She added that when she tried to train Moxxii without the harness, the German shepherd was unfocused and the session wasnB次元官网网址檛 going well.
B次元官网网址淚 was in a bit of a panic,B次元官网网址� Lavegne said. B次元官网网址淭he harness for Moxxii is imperative.B次元官网网址�
But last night Lavergne got a pleasant surprise; an anonymous donor put forward the funds to buy Moxxii a new harness from specialty producer, Cerberus K9 Solutions. The company gave Lavergne and Moxxii a new harness, and then turned around and donated the funds to SARDAV to go toward training.
B次元官网网址淚t was a complete surprise,B次元官网网址� Lavergne said. B次元官网网址淚t was beyond words, actually.B次元官网网址�
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Lavergne is very grateful for the donations, and to everyone for spreading the word, but is still hoping to find the old vest because of its sentimental value.
She has patrolled several neighbourhoods around town and asked locals for information, but so far hasnB次元官网网址檛 found anything. Lavergne has even cancelled an upcoming camping trip in order to set time aside to do more searching.
B次元官网网址淚 just really hope it doesnB次元官网网址檛 end up in the garbage,B次元官网网址� Lavergne said.
Anyone with information on the missing harness, or on other items stolen from Pet-A-Palooza is asked to call the Victoria Police non-emergency line at 250-995-7654 or report anonymously with the Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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