Dear editor:

Much has been written in this paper and talked about over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine that Niagara-on-the-Lake has lost its soul and has changed not for the better in recent years.

We beg to differ.

Yesterday, while walking in the Commons, our 18-month-old miniature poodle, Yukon, bolted and crossed John Street, where it was believed he had been clipped by a car running into the Two Sisters Vineyard.

What followed was an anguishing nine-plus hours of searching and walking row upon row of grapes — but, we were never alone.

From the moment we announced his disappearance friends, strangers, the Niagara Parks Police came forward to spread the word and help search.

Calls were made to the vineyards and when the phones went unanswered, friends drove to speak to the respective concierges, candles were lit, we all prayed and kept walking and driving.

Workers were alerted, Niagara Parks Constable Liz drove the Parkway taking the time to talk to bicyclists and sharing a photo of our wee boy.

Two Sisters went above and beyond placing searchers in a golf cart, driving their vineyard from front to back. There were a couple of sightings, but he was scared and is ever-so timid so Yukon, too, kept walking.

As we were losing the light, I spotted him. He was returning to where the car parks when he goes to his favourite playground.

He came towards me from the Commons, so he had made a second crossing of John Street. He was soaking wet and filthy — truly the Littlest Hobo. Thankfully he is now home safe and sound, albeit a tad exhausted.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who answered our plea for help, who shared our posts, searched for him, offered support and helped spread the word. Your kindness, compassion and willingness to help truly made a difference and will not soon be forgotten.

Please remember, NOTL has a soul. It lies within this wonderful community and its residents. We are proud to call this home.

Sue-Ann Ramsden
NOTL