A rescue dog was discovered in the North Shore of Metro Vancouver after being lost in the wilderness for 54 days, thanks to the community’s support and the diligent efforts of search teams. Bami, a four-year-old rescue dog from Korea, went missing near Lynn Valley Mall in North Vancouver in late November when it escaped from its owner Yohan Kim’s leash. The following two months were challenging for Kim and his wife Yeni Ji as Bami was spotted in various locations across the region, evading rescue attempts.
Describing Bami as a dog deeply attached to her, Ji emphasized the community’s crucial role in the search effort. Local pet rescuers from Petsearchers, led by owner Parker Mills, were brought in to assist. Despite the challenges of finding a skittish rescue dog, the search lasted nearly two months, with sightings reported across the North Shore.
Mills mentioned that sightings of Bami were reported in the week following its disappearance, with residents capturing videos and sharing information in a WhatsApp group. The search intensified when Bami was spotted heading towards Rice Lake in the Seymour Valley and later up a mountain, requiring patience from the rescuers.
As the search continued, Bami managed to avoid traps set by rescuers but was visibly becoming thinner and weaker. The urgency to find her increased as it was estimated she had only a week or two left before running out of energy.
Finally, after nearly two months of searching, a breakthrough occurred when Bami was sighted near Kenneth Gordon Maplewood Elementary School. Parker Mills was able to locate Bami using a thermal drone, spotting the dog sleeping in a bush. With Ji and Kim rushing to the scene, Bami responded to Ji’s call and was successfully reunited with her owners.
Ji expressed gratitude for the teamwork that led to Bami’s rescue, while Kim thanked Petsearchers and the North Shore community for their support. Reflecting on the experience, Kim highlighted the remarkable survival instinct of dogs and urged others not to lose hope if their pets go missing.