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YouTuber From New Zealand Crowned as Hero When He Rescues 14-Year-Old Dog While Canoeing in Manitoba River

This brave 14-Year-Old dog fought bravely for a day and a half, but had it not been for a passing by canoer she probably wouldn't have made it.
This brave 14-Year-Old dog fought bravely for a day and a half, but had it not been for a passing by canoer she probably wouldn't have made it. Image by CityNews via YouTube.

A YouTuber from New Zeeland by the name of Tom Hudson had prepared for a scenic adventure, but he didn’t expect for this to include the rescue of a dog stuck in mud for over a day.

Ivy, a 14-year-old dog, hadn’t strayed to far from her house but had been unlucky enough to get trapped under a log. She’d been gone for more than a day and a half when Tom Hudson heard a faint bark and decided to look into its origin. We don’t want to think about what could’ve happened with Ivy if he hadn’t.

The Faint Bark That Made Tom Turn Around

Ivy stuck in the mud spotted from afar
Ivy stuck in the mud spotted from afar. Image by CityNews via YouTube

As Hudson paddled down the Manitoba river he heard a faint bark coming from behind him. Despite initially passing by, his curiosity and concern led him to turn around and investigate. Little did he know that this small act would lead to him saving a life!

What he discovered was a 14-year-old Great Pyrenees named Ivy, trapped under a log, submerged in water, and covered in mud.

Muddy, Exhausted, and Trapped Under a Log

Ivy wasn't able to move at all and half-submerged in the river.
Ivy wasn’t able to move at all and half-submerged in the river. Image by CityNews via YouTube

Hudson quickly realized that Ivy was in a dire situation. Her back legs were immobile due to exhaustion, and she was stuck in knee-deep mud. Hudson had to leave his canoe about 30 feet away and wade through the mud to free her, eventually lifting the exhausted dog onto his canoe.

Probably Hadn’t Slept For More Than a Day

When Tom found her, she was completely immobile probably due to exhaustion
When Tom found her, she was completely immobile probably due to exhaustion. Image by CityNews via YouTube

Ivy was half-submerged, and if she’d put her head down, it would’ve been under the water. Essentially, she hadn’t been able to sleep for a whole day or more (she’d been missing for a day and a half). This combined with fear and cold water, we can only assume that this brave dog was beyond exhausted.

Youtuber Rescues Ivy and Reuintes Grateful Owner with Their Beloved Dog

After finally getting her loose, he lifted her onto his canoe.
After finally getting her loose, he lifted her onto his canoe. Image by CityNews via YouTube

After successfully getting Ivy onto his canoe, Hudson noticed paw prints leading toward a nearby house. He followed the tracks for about 300 yards, eventually reaching the house where Ivy’s owner, Tom Stait, had been anxiously searching for her for over a day and a half.

Owner’s Relief and Gratitude

Once reunited with her family, she receives a bath to remove all the mud
Once reunited with her family, she receives a bath to remove all the mud. Image by CityNews via YouTube

Tom Stait was overwhelmed with relief when Hudson brought Ivy back to him. He had been searching tirelessly but couldn’t hear or see her due to the dense bush near their home.

Hudson’s timely intervention spared them a family tragedy – after all, there are few things harder than losing a furry family member.

Tom Invited For Dinner

Image by CityNews via YouTube

After Ivy had been cleaned up Tom was invited into the Stait’s home for dinner and spent the night before continuing his journey by canoe across Canada. Although the dinner was given as thanks for saving their precious dog, it only underlined Tom Hudson’s experience of Canadians so far: that they’re the nicest people he’s ever met.

Not even counting this rescue mission, he never would’ve thought that his solo trip would involve so much interaction, he found Canadians eager to help and support his adventure, whether offering supplies or simply sharing a meal.

Ivy’s Recovery and Adjusting After the Ordeal

Ivy getting a blow out to get rid of the last traces of her frightful ordeal
Ivy getting a blow out to get rid of the last traces of her frightful ordeal. Image by CityNews via YouTube

Though Ivy was safely returned home, the experience left her a bit traumatized. Stait mentioned that she hadn’t ventured far from home since the incident and is still recovering. However, she’s now clean and on the mend, thanks to Hudson’s heroic efforts.

A New Name for Hudson’s Sailboat

Tom Hudson captured most of the rescue mission with his GoPro camera mounted to his head
Tom Hudson captured most of the rescue mission with his GoPro camera mounted to his head. Image by CityNews via YouTube

In light of the rescue, someone suggested Hudson name his sailboat “Ivy,” after the dog he saved. While Hudson isn’t sure about naming canoes, he acknowledged that it’s bad luck to have an unnamed sailboat, and Ivy seems like a fitting name given the circumstances.

Documenting the Adventure Online

Lake Agnes in Canada.
Lake Agnes in Canada. Image via Unsplash

Hudson is documenting his cross-country adventure on his YouTube and Instagram accounts. His followers have been captivated by his journey, particularly his unexpected role as a rescuer. Hudson hopes that his experiences will inspire others to explore the world and live life to the fullest.

Hudson’s Future Plans and Goals

Manitoba River
Manitoba River. Image via Unsplash

Hudson’s journey isn’t over yet. He plans to continue his trek to Montreal before winter sets in and will return to complete the trip next spring. Through his experiences, Hudson aims to encourage others to pursue their dreams and embrace life’s unexpected adventures.