Back in 2016, in the vast wilderness of Canada, a lively Golden Retriever/Collie mix named Kali set off on what seemed like a normal hike—until nature turned terrifying.
Kali was exploring the outdoors with her owners, Dave Kareken and Joy Neilyset, walking along a scenic river. The day began peacefully, with the group enjoying the forest trail and the sound of rushing water nearby.
But the river wasn’t its usual calm self. After heavy rainfall in the area, it had swollen into a violent, fast-moving torrent, powerful enough to change everything in seconds.
A Sudden Fall, Then the Rapids Took Over
As Kali moved closer to the water—curious and energetic—she attempted a jump and missed, landing on a ledge about ten feet below. In the confusion, she ended up in the water, trying to swim to safety.
Instead, the rapids seized her.
Her owners searched desperately, calling out and scanning the shoreline for hours. But there was no sign of her—no movement, no bark, no trail to follow.
Eventually, faced with an unbearable reality and no way to find her, the family had to make the heartbreaking decision to continue their hike without their beloved dog.
“We lost a member of our family.”
The pain didn’t fade when they left the wilderness behind. Dave and Joy returned to their home in Asheville, North Carolina, while their son traveled to a camp in Minnesota. The family was scattered, exhausted, and grieving—convinced they had lost Kali forever.
Ten Days of Survival Against the Elements
But what they didn’t know was that Kali was still fighting.
For the next ten days, Kali relied on pure instinct. Alone in unfamiliar terrain, she endured the harsh conditions of the Canadian forest, finding whatever shelter and sustenance she could. While her owners were thousands of miles away, worrying and mourning, Kali kept going—step by step, day by day.
The Phone Call That Changed Everything
Then, shortly after Dave returned home, the impossible happened: a phone call came in with shocking news.
Kali had been found alive.
Against all odds, she had survived the river and the wilderness—and had eventually appeared at a nearby campsite, where people recognized she needed help.
Dave didn’t hesitate. He got in the car and drove 20 hours straight to reach her.
The moment he reunited with Kali, the emotions hit all at once—relief, disbelief, gratitude, and the kind of joy that only comes after real loss. A friend captured the reunion on video, preserving the moment their family became whole again.
A Reminder of Loyalty, Hope, and the Strength of a Bond
Kali’s story is more than a survival tale. It’s proof of how powerful instinct can be—and how deep the bond is between a person and the companion they love.
Even in the most frightening circumstances, Kali endured. And even after heartbreak, her family kept hope alive long enough for a miracle to find its way back.
