In a gripping tale of bravery, two dogs guarded 89 sheep against feral threats and raging wildfires for 20 days. Sophie and Tad, the Maremma sheepdogs of Lynn and Lorne Landry, faced this daunting challenge after their owners had to evacuate due to imminent danger from fires.
The Landry family farms in 100 Mile House, British Columbia, a region recently devastated by some of the most severe wildfires on record. These fires have raged relentlessly for months, striking without warning.
Many rural towns have felt the devastating impact, with families forced to flee, often leaving their livestock behind. This heart-wrenching scenario was the reality for the Landrys when they were abruptly evacuated on July 6, 2017. With only one gate left ajar, they had to leave their beloved animals behind as firefighters led them to safety.
Over the following two harrowing days, numerous homes were consumed by flames, yet their house remarkably escaped the inferno.
On July 8, they managed to obtain a brief permit to check on their property. “We opened all the gates so they could have access to other fields and the lake for water,” Lynn recounted to 100 Mile Free Press. “We left a hefty bag of feed for the dogs and then had to depart. The scene was chaotic, with spot fires ablaze and helicopters scooping water from the lake. It resembled a battlefield.”
When they arrived, they confirmed that Sophie and Tad remained by their sheep’s side. However, they were informed that the SPCA and the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team (CDART) would be managing the welfare of the animals during the crisis.
After a tense wait of 20 long days, they were finally granted permission to return home on July 24. Upon their arrival, they found Sophie and Tad faithfully guarding their flock, eagerly awaiting their owners. Lynn joyfully posted a photo on Facebook, stating:
“Our beautiful but quite dirty guardians, Sophie and Tad, protected our sheep for those 20 days amidst the turmoil, with fires surrounding them and helicopters overhead. Houses on either side were destroyed—it must have been an incredible ordeal for them. If only they could speak, I can only imagine the stories they’d tell. They’re so ready for dinner!”
Lynn shared with the 100 Mile Free Press her unwavering confidence in her two dogs. She knew they would protect the sheep during a harrowing ordeal. Remarkably, these brave canines navigated not only the raging flames around them but also the roar of helicopters and lurking predators.
Lynn believes the dogs must have guided the flock to a nearby lake, ensuring their safety and access to water. She is certain that without the dogs’ unwavering vigilance, the sheep wouldn’t have survived.
In her Facebook update, Lynn mentioned that while the dogs remain tight-lipped about their experiences, they emerged from this trying situation in good spirits. Despite their dirty coats and soot-covered paws, both dogs are healthy and thriving.
Deeply appreciative, Lynn expressed her gratitude to everyone who stepped in to care for Sophie and Tad during the crisis.
This heartwarming story of devotion is reminiscent of loyal guardian dogs seen trying to protect wildlife after wildfires, but thankfully, this one ends on a joyful note.
Amr Mohsen is a software engineer who traded his keyboard for a leash — at least on weekends. His love for dogs inspired him to share what he learns as a dog owner and enthusiast, bringing a detail-oriented, research-driven perspective to every article he writes. If it’s about dogs, he’s probably already looked it up twice.
