UPDATE: Within moments of learning that help was needed, three of Boundary County’s most adventurous outdoorsmen and explorers, Genny, Kale and Pat, called, geared up and were on the way. They were able to bring Lazlo back to his family. They are so very grateful.
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A Bonners Ferry family is devastated today after a moment’s rambunctious fun turned to tragedy. Shilo Morales was letting her son get in some driving time Thursday evening as he prepares to test for his drivers license, accompanied by her son’s girlfriend and Lazlo, a big, beautiful long-haired Rottweiler they’d rescued from the pound in Ponderay six years ago. They pulled into the overlook parking lot on Highway 2 just before 8 p.m. and got out to stretch.
The ten-year-old Lazlo, still a puppy at heart, bounded out of the car toward an embankment once fenced, tried to turn but lost his footing and went over the edge.
Shilo called 911, for help, not knowing if her absolute best dog was alive or dead, and several area firefighters responded, climbed down into the steep gorge and found Lazlo’s lifeless body on a small spit of land. Because of the terrain and darkness, they were unable to attempt recovery.
Shilo is reaching out to climbers and those experienced in rope rescue in hopes that a team might come together to bring Lazlo home that he might be put to rest in the familiar warmth of the family he loved.
The firefighters would like to help, but they are not equipped or trained for working in such steep, challenging terrain.
At the overlook today, Shilo said she couldn’t see Lazlo, but her husband and son could.
“We need him home,” Shilo said, the tears heavy in her voice. “We need help.”
If anyone is able and willing, she said, she would drop everything to be there to help and point the way, any day, any time.
Those interested can reach her at (502) 558-5465.