This isn't a political story, it has nothing to do with politics at all, but rather the incredible resilience of a little boy and his dog.
James Delorey, age 7, wandered away from his home in rural Nova Scotia on Saturday afternoon. He was out in the back yard and it was believed he followed his dog into the woods. It was a warm afternoon considering it was December, and he had on a pair of jeans, a shirt and a vest. Nothing that would protect him against a real December storm and that's what was forecast to blow in on Saturday night. His parents called in help right away.
Searchers began scouring the woods for him immediatly but this wouldn't be an ordinary search. James is autistic and doesn't speak. He also likes to wander and has been known to roam in the past.
To help with the search a Canadian Forces chopper was called in with heat seeking equiptment but the storm turned bad and the helicopter was grounded. But the searchers continued on foot with lots of volunteers coming forward to help the trained Search and Rescue people. By Sunday night, more than 24 hours after James dissapeared, there was still no sign of him or his dog Chance. The volunteers were sent home but those trained continued searching through the night and into this morning. Given the weather and the fact we were closing in on 48 hours, I don't think many people held out much home.
This morning his dog came home. He was in good condition and the searchers told the news they knew it meant time was running out. As long as the dog stayed with him, it meant he was moving. The fact that Chance came home meant James was "down" (that's how they explained it on CTV News).
The S&R crews called in a tracker and they were following the dogs trail through the snow when another team, up ahead of where they were heading, reported they found James. His pulse was weak, but he was alive.
So that's where the story stands now. He was stabalized on the scene and then flown to the IWK Childern's Hospital in Halifax this afternoon where he is in very serious condition with hypothermia.
His dog seems to be the hero here. How else could he have stayed so warm for 48 hours. That and he appeared to have kept on the move. THe area he had been found had been searched only hours before. They also said on the news that James isn't too fond of Chance, but that the dog LOVES him.
So, if you believe prayer helps then please say one for this little boy. If you don't, send the best thoughts you can. I can't imagine how he survived 48 hours out in this weather. I hope someone gives Chance a big steak.
More information can be found on the CBC