Weeks ago, a man enjoying a rafting trip on the Red Deer and South Saskatchewan Rivers encountered an animal struggling in the water. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan recounted what the man, Justin, first heard:
While he was fishing, he heard something in the water squeak – and that’s when he saw some sort of animal swimming in the river! It’s nose was barely above the water and the water was so dark and murky that Justin couldn’t initially tell what kind of animal it was.
As Justin tried to pluck the animal from the water, he fell in. Fortunately, he was able to capture the animal, and reach his raft as well. After pulling the animal from the water, he realized that it was a coyote pup on the brink of death – the wildlife agency writes:
when Justin brought the animal back to his raft, the little coyote pup was unconscious and didn’t seem to be breathing. The pup was lucky yet again as Justin had experience with CPR and was able to do a modified Heimlich manoeuvre by pushing on its belly. After a few pushes, water squirted out of the coyote’s nose and he was breathing again! Justin and his new friend were both soaked so they ended up back on land again where Justin made a fire and tried to warm the little guy up.
For the next 10 days, as Justin continued his rafting trip, his newfound coyote pup friend accompanied him on the adventure. The agency said:
The little pup would eat with Justin, cuddle in his jacket, and sleep in his backpack while they rafted down the river. Justin ended up naming the little guy YipYip and took really good care of him throughout the trip.
When Justin finally got to an area with cell service, he reached out to his wife for advice. With some sleuthing and effort, the coyote pup was finally entrusted to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan’s care. The agency writes:
Our amazing volunteer Samantha in Swift Current helped coordinate the transfer and now YipYip is with our wonderful rehabber Melanie. He will be taken care of until he is old enough to be returned to the wild! If it wasn’t for the wonderfully caring Justin, little YipYip would have perished in the river. Thank you Justin! ❤️
Donations to this non-profit can be made at this link.
(Images via Facebook/Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan)
Follow the National Animal News Facebook page for more news, updates and petitions.
Get outside with your 4-legged best friend and revive your spirit! Pick your favorite color and style at this link. Your purchase helps support the continuation of our site. Thank you!
I prefer dogs to people #don’t judge
Own your own one-of-a-kind design! All sales help support the continuation of our site. Pick your favorite color and style at this link!
There is no us. There is no them. We are one! Purchase your one-of-a-kind mug at this link. Your purchase helps support the continuation of our site. Thank you!
Karma is a b*tch. Choose kindness! Our unique design spreads an important message! Choose your favorite color and style at this link. Your purchase helps support the continuation of our site. Thank you!
Fight animal abuse! Donate Now
SO GRATEFUL THAT ANGELS ARE EVERYWHERE–EVEN RAFTING!