The Clearwater Humane Society (CHS) is raising awareness about abandoned dogs in the North Thompson Valley and beyond.
Penny the Great Pyrenees
A volunteer with the society, named Leia, posted to the Clearwater Info Board Facebook page on March 2, notifying the public about a large white dog that was left alone in Barriere, asking for information about the lonely canine.
“We are currently looking to bring the dog into our care,” Leia said, adding that if anyone is interested in fostering, to contact the CHS.
The society told the Clearwater Times that the dog was estimated to be three to four years old, showing no aggression, and was acting like she’d been brought to the location and told to stay, before waiting there at least two days by herself.
On March 3, the CHS posted a picture of the large dog, saying she was safe in a home, and that they’d booked a veterinarian appointment to check her health, age, and any other possible concerns.
“Currently, all good news to report. No adoption application at this time or foster care,” they said, at the beginning of March.
After discovering the dog, the society said they were looking for the canine’s owners in a number of locations, and that they require vet records and other proof of ownership before returning the animal.
“We will not just be happy with word of mouth or a few pictures. We do not hand dogs back to anyone who ‘claims to be the owner,’” the society said, adding a thank you to all the people who’d messaged them and shown interest in the dog.
On March 16, the CHS posted an update about the Great Pyrenees. They said following their search, no one had come forward to claim her. They said they’d taken the “beautiful girl” to the vet and she “did amazing,” and was “all clear to start her new life.”
In that same post, they let the public know the pup had been named Penny and had been adopted by the family that had taken her in for the society. Penny had won them over, the society said, adding they were thrilled.
“Congratulations, everyone. We look forward to future updates and many happy stories.”
The society said they named her Penny because she’s “lucky like a penny, dropped and being picked up and passed to a new, loving home.”
Dogs dumped in the region
While Penny’s story was resolved quickly and had a positive ending, not all dogs who get dumped in the North Thompson and beyond are so lucky.
Maddy Beka Capostinsky, the founder of the CHS, said that 13 dogs have been discovered alone in the region since 2023.
“Over the past few years, many dogs have been found wandering the roads, forests, and communities surrounding Clearwater, Barriere, Avola, Vavenby, and Chase,” Capostinsky said. “Some were lost. Some were abandoned. Many had clearly been surviving on their own for far too long.”
Leia said that, over the years, she believes more dogs have been found, but that the numbers have been growing in recent years.
“We are joining up with other Humane Societies and talking about how many animals are being dumped. (Capostinsky) and I talked and decided we will not put a surrender fee just to help stop dumping,” she said.
Capostinksy explained that helping the dogs is a community effort, and people “often don’t see… the amount of coordination, patience, and care required to safely bring these animals to safety.”
The society shared other stories of dogs from the region:
Clearwater, 2023. Athena was seen running around town for an entire day before exhausting herself and being caught. She turned out to be semi-feral and was rescued and later adopted by Capostinksy.
Clearwater Lake, 2024. Jilly, a “severely underweight Rottweiler,” was found wandering near the lake. After being safely caught and cared for, she was adopted into a loving home on Vancouver Island.
Barriere back roads, 2025. Lucky was coaxed with food after being spotted wandering rural back roads. He was “extremely emaciated” and fearful. He was rehabilitated and adopted.
Chase, 2025. Sweetie had been dumped in a forestry area and survived alone for over 140 days. She trusted no one and could not be approached, according to Capostinsky. “One of our team members spent weeks patiently building trust. With the help of veterinary services, Sweetie was finally brought to safety. She now lives happily on a farm with her adoptive family.”
Avola, 2025. Casper, known locally as the “ghost dog.” Casper appeared and disappeared in the woods for weeks. No one knew how long she had been surviving alone, Capostinksy said. “After weeks of effort and the construction of a specialized trap, Casper was safely captured. She is currently undergoing rehabilitation with one of our incredible foster homes,” the society founder said in March.
‘What most people don’t see’
Capostinksy pointed out what she says most people don’t see about dog rescues.
She said many of the dogs without long stories share a similar reality.
“They are seen wandering the streets or forests, often scared, starving, and in poor physical condition. We set traps, coordinate volunteers, and bring them in safely,” she said. “Most of the time, we have no idea how long they have been surviving on their own.”
However, every time they bring one in, she said they see the same things: severe malnutrition, poor coat condition, untreated medical issues, emotional shutdown and fear, animals “that have clearly been through far too much.”
The CHS founder said once they are safe, the work begins. The dogs receive vet care, proper nutrition, rehabilitation, training, and “most importantly,” time to rebuild their confidence and trust in people.
She said the work takes community. None of it is possible, she said, without dedicated foster homes, vet teams willing to help, community members reporting sightings, donations that cover food, medical care and equipment, and volunteers who give their time and patience.
“Every dog deserves a second chance,” Capostinsky said. “And thanks to the incredible communities’ support, many of them are getting exactly that.”