(UPDATE: Oct. 9 @ 9 am) - Several search and rescue teams were part of the efforts to find a missing senior on Wednesday night.
Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) was first called in for assistance by the North Okanagan RCMP as police started the urgent search for a 72-year-old woman and her dog.
The pair had wandered away from her family while they were shopping at Home Depot.
As darkness set in and the temperature dropped, the search expanded and neighbouring SAR teams from the Shuswap and Central Okanagan, including K9 Barrett and his handler, were called in to lend a hand.
"Several caring members of the public called in possible sightings, and every lead was followed – by vehicle, on e-bikes, on foot and with our K9 team," a VSAR post explained.
"The search stretched late into the night and covered a significant portion of Vernon and surrounding are, with maybe a swamp or two for good measure."
According to VSAR, the "call that every searcher hopes for" came in just before midnight, as K9 Barrett and the COSAR team had located the missing woman and dog.
The subjects were cold and tired, but safe, and were reunited with their concerned family members a short time after being found.
"Moments like this remind us why we do what we do. It takes dedication, teamwork, and the strength of a community that looks out for one another," the VSAR debrief finished up with. "A heartfelt thank you to Shuswap SAR and COSAR for answering the call tonight!"
(UPDATE: Oct. 9 at 7:28 am) - Police have revealed this morning that the woman has been found "safe and well."
(Original story: Oct. 9 at 5:30 am) - Okanagan Mounties have issued an urgent appeal for help in their search for a missing senior.
Police said Colleen Ketcheson, 70, was last seen in the Home Depot parking lot on Anderson Way in Vernon at about 2 pm on Wednesday.
Ketcheson has been diagnosed with early onset dementia and may be “confused or disoriented if approached,” according to the police bulletin.
It added: “Given her medical condition, police and family are concerned for her wellbeing.”
Ketcheson lives in the Cherryville area and may be headed in that direction.
The bulletin described her as follows:
5 ft 2 in (157 cm)
144 lbs (65 kg)
Grey hair
Brown eyes
She was last seen wearing white and black checkered pants and a dark green/blue jacket, according to police.
She also has a dog: a white and beige short haired pointer type named “Gizmo.”
Anyone who sees Ketcheson is advised to call 911.
