There is still no sign of a B.C. paramedic who went missing while out with his dog six weeks ago, but the man’s partner believes their dog has been found alive.
Paramedic Jim Barnes went for a walk with his golden retriever Murphy on Oct. 17 and was last seen on Groundbirch Forest Service Road, about 60 kilometres southwest of Fort St. John.
His partner, Micaela Sawyer, now believes that a golden retriever found emaciated and injured last week is the same dog that she and Barnes owned.
“We feel as though we have confirmed that the dog found near Wonowon is indeed Murphy, though it was a difficult identification due to his severe condition,” wrote Sawyer in a social media post. “He is badly injured, with major swelling, puncture wounds (possibly from a dog or coyote), a broken front paw, and scabs all over.”
Sawyer noticed a change in behavior but said he was noticed on familiar routes and that “his reactions were unmistakable.”
However, she still needs time to confirm that it’s the same dog as Murphy.
“Thank you all for your ongoing care and support; it has meant the world to us. The RCMP has been contacted and plans to conduct DNA testing, though it may take weeks,” wrote Sawyer.
“We’re hoping to find a quicker way to confirm the tests, so we can get Search and Rescue back out. Finding Murphy alive gives us hope that we might finally get answers about what happened to Jim.”
A picture of the dog was initially posted to a local Facebook group for lost and found pets last week and many members wondered if it was Murphy.
The dog was found shortly thereafter near Mile 95 Road close to the community of Wonowon, about 100 kilometres northwest of Barnes’ last known location.
After being taken in for veterinary treatment, the dog was given to Sawyer.
A petition was launched last week to reopen the official search for Barnes after news surfaced that another missing man, 20-year-old Sam Benastick, was found alive having gone missing around the same time albeit in a different part of northeastern B.C.
On the day Barnes went missing, he’d left to go collect firewood and possibly grouse hunt. He left with his truck, Murphy and firearms.
Sawyer reported him missing after he failed to return home for his work shift the following day.