Midday on Tuesday, Oct. 31, there was a woman with her dog, across the street from my home in the City of North Vancouver. She was clearly in distress, having left her shoes 50 metres behind her and then continuing to fall on the lawns.
Both my neighbour and I offered her help, a ride home, anything. She declined and was in all likelihood intoxicated. She also appeared to be in some emotional distress. It was cold and wet and both she and her dog were soaked through.
We finally agreed to call for help. An RCMP officer arrived and while he had to be stern, he tried his best to assist this woman with a safe way home from an adult family member. During the long interaction she hurled expletives and abuse due to her condition. She didn’t make it easy on herself.
Despite best efforts, no one could be contacted to come and get the woman. The officer maintained composure and when finally he had no other choice but to arrest her for public drunkeness it was for her own safety. A second officer arrived to assist at that point. But what of the large, soaking wet, protective-of-his-owner golden retriever?
My neighbour had managed to leash the animal and keep him calm. We were prepared to care for the animal or take it to the SPCA but no, the RCMP put the animal in the second vehicle and were clear that the animal would be properly kennelled, fed and watered back at the station until a family member could come and get it.
Such compassion. This animal is clearly this woman’s best friend. She needs help and both these officers did the very best they could under the situation.
The public is quick to criticize and film but I can only say thank-you. This is the kind of community needed – one that helps.
Each situation is different and there are no magical answers but we must be thankful for such professionalism and compassion when we see it.
Andrea Herz
North Vancouver
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