The owner of a Jack Russell terrier that was cited for bravery is mourning the loss of her pet.
Louise Wilson, niece of former Nanaimo mayor Victor Harrison, said her dog Vicki passed away in February at the age of 15 and was a faithful companion. Vicki received a commendation for warding off intruders from Wilson’s house around 2011.
“She and I were upstairs in bed, it was 3 a.m. and we heard this fearful noise downstairs at one of the windows in my house,” Wilson said. “She then jumped out of bed, ran downstairs and made the most fearful barking.”
Wilson, a widow, looked out the window and saw two men running away and after examining the floor below, noticed a big hole in one of the windows. She said the intruders could’ve easily broken in and caused her harm if not for Vicki.
Wilson said there had been reports of widows and widowers being attacked in the area that she lived.
The idea to nominate her pet for an award occurred through conversation with other dog owners while Wilson and Vicki were out on a walk on the Queen Elizabeth walkway. They suggested Wilson write to an SPCA-affiliate in Vancouver. The certificate of bravery still hangs on Wilson’s wall.
Wilson said she misses her pet and companion terribly but said she knows of someone who has a pregnant Jack Russell and hopes to adopt one of the litter.
“If I get another one, I might have a wonderful friend again,” Wilson said.