WILLIAMS, Minn. (Valley News Live) – A family is looking for answers after their dogs were found shot dead during a hike near Williams, Minnesota.
“There’s no getting them back. It’s final,” said Ramona Anderson Rowett, a co-owner of the two dogs, Tucker and Maple.
On Christmas Eve, two-year-old Siberian Huskie siblings were hiking with their family at Zipple Bay State Park. Ramona says one of her daughter’s hands slipped while re-tying the leash.
“They had gotten loose before but they stay in the area within blocks and come back when called. This time, we ran out of time and someone else got to them before we did.”
The family went through The Retrievers to get help. The volunteer lost dog team posted on Facebook about the then-missing dogs. Casey Bledsoe doesn’t know the family, but she knew she had to help.
“We have no resources up here,” said Bledsoe.
She didn’t give up through the snow, fog, or cold.
“I knew how important it was to find them as soon as possible. Because when they get into survival mode it’s a whole different game.
“I spent the day, I was up until after midnight making signs, and neon posters. I started hanging them at every crossing. I knew the best bet to finding them was using other people’s eyes.”
She wasn’t the only one lending a hand. DeAnn Syverson is a case manager for The Retrievers.
“That’s part of the awareness that people are aware these dogs have a very loving family, they’re looking for them. Making sure there are intersection signs and awareness.”
The story came to a tragic end when the dog’s bodies were found frozen in a ditch days later.
“The Baudette Police had just shown up and met us there. So he had a broom handle and we went down and started chipping as carefully as we could. The dogs were out of the ditch, their harnesses still on, their leashes still dragging,” added Bledsoe.
“When the sheriff called and I heard his voice, I said ‘Were they found ran over or shot?’ I knew they were shot,” Anderson Rowett said.
While their hearts are hurting, Ramona’s family just wants justice.
“Even if you don’t have a regard for life, maybe have a compassion that there are those who do.”
Valley News Live has reached out to local law enforcement for more information. We have yet to hear back.
If you know anything, you are asked to contact Baudette Police. There is also a GoFundMe for the family.
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