Dave Kareken has always known that his dog, Kali, had a fondness for the great outdoors. Little did he know just how resilient and resourceful she could be in the face of adversity. In an astonishing display of survival instinct, Kali, a seven-year-old Collie/Golden Retriever mix, braved the rugged Canadian wilderness for an entire ten days, all on her own, after being swept away by swift and treacherous rapids.
The remarkable journey began during a hike near Rebecca Falls, situated on the border of Minnesota and Canada. Dave Kareken, accompanied by his wife Joy Neily and their son Zachary Kareken, watched in distress as their beloved dog missed a crucial leap, plummeting to a ledge approximately ten feet below. As Kareken hurried to rescue Kali, she unexpectedly leaped into the rushing waters, determined to swim her way to safety.
Realizing the slim chances of survival amidst the ferocious currents, Kareken and his family tirelessly called and searched for hours, desperately hoping to find any trace of their four-legged companion. Despite their exhaustive efforts, Kali remained elusive, and the family was forced to make the heart-wrenching decision to continue their journey without her. Dave Kareken and Neily returned to their home in Asheville, N.C., while their son proceeded with his plans to attend camp in Minnesota. The loss of their cherished family member left a void that Kareken described as an unparalleled sorrow.
However, fate had an unexpected twist in store for the devastated family. Shortly after returning home, Kareken received a phone call that defied all reason and ignited a profound mix of emotions within him. Kali had miraculously been found alive. Against all odds, she had not only survived the tumultuous rapids but had thrived in the unforgiving Canadian forest, emerging at a campsite ten days later. Though hungry, Kali exhibited remarkable resilience and appeared to be in overall good health.
Overwhelmed by the news, Kareken’s disbelief turned to an outpouring of gratitude and astonishment. Collapsing to his knees, he found solace in prayers of thanksgiving, utterly humbled by Kali’s unwavering spirit and the miracle of her survival.
