PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – An adventurous dog dubbed “Rupert’s Littlest Hobo” is finally safe and settling into his new home after a nearly three-week saga that captivated the hearts and mobilized the efforts of the entire Prince Rupert community.
Three-year-old Pluto, who was rescued from a puppy mill near Hazelton on July 5, went missing that very same day, sparking a city-wide search. His journey finally came to a happy conclusion on July 23 when he was safely captured and reunited with his new owner, Kim Spencer.
The rescue effort was largely coordinated online by Kim’s cousin, Sonja Spencer, who provided daily updates to the 5,500-member “Prince Rupert Pets” Facebook group. The community immediately rallied, with residents sharing sightings, photos, and encouragement in a collective effort to bring Pluto home.
“My cousin is extremely grateful for each and every one of you that helped in any way possible,” Sonja said in a message to the community. “It’s been a long two-and-a-half weeks, but Rupert’s Littlest Hobo will now have his forever home—thank you Prince Rupert.”
Pluto’s journey was a veritable grand tour of the city. After first disappearing near the Hays Vale trailer park, he was spotted at the Prince Rupert Golf Club, the Petro-Canada gas station, the regional hospital, Overwaitea Foods, the ferry terminal, and even the Rupert Square Mall.
The rescue was complicated by Pluto’s past. Having come from a puppy mill, he was terrified of human contact, making him impossible to catch by hand. Sonja explained to the public that chasing him would only scare him more, and that a trap was the only viable option.
After weeks of near-misses and city-wide travels, the breakthrough came when Pluto was finally caught in a drop trap near the SPCA. The trap had been set in a “special way” by his determined owner, Kim.
“I’m not exactly sure how she did it, but she said it would work,” Sonja recalled.
It did work. Thanks to the persistence of his new owner and the watchful eyes of an entire city, Pluto’s adventure is over, and he can now begin his new life, learning what it feels like to be safe, cared for, and loved.
