Tom Hudson has spent years chasing adventure. He’s sailed through brutal winds, explored remote waterways and surfed intimidating waves around the world.
But nothing prepared him for what he encountered while paddling the Saskatchewan River during a canoe trip across Canada.
Along the muddy shoreline, Hudson spotted what looked like a small white dog sitting alone.
Curious, Hudson paddled over to the area and got a better look.
At first glance, it seemed like she might just be cooling off near the water. But as he drew closer, something felt wrong.
“When I got nearer, I could hear her whimpering,” Hudson told The Dodo. “I knew right away she didn’t want to be there.”
The fluffy pup wasn’t relaxing — she was stuck. Her body was trapped in thick mud, unable to pull herself free. Hudson quickly climbed out of his canoe, clearing away branches and debris before carefully lifting her from the muck.
“It wasn’t easy,” Hudson said. “But she helped as much as she could with her front legs.”
Once freed, the dog was exhausted and couldn’t stand on her own. Hudson briefly considered going to find help, but when he stepped away, the dog cried and locked eyes with him.
“I could tell she didn’t want to be left,” he said. “That’s when I knew she had to come with me.”
Hudson gently settled the dog into his canoe, and the two continued downriver together in search of her home. Eventually, they reached a house along the shore. Hudson tied up his canoe, carried the muddy pup onto dry land and knocked on the door.
The man who answered didn’t hesitate for a second.
The dog was his. Her name was Ivy, and she’d been missing for days.
Relief washed over Ivy’s family as they carried her to a kiddie pool and began washing the mud from her fur. Hudson stayed to help, watching as Ivy ate, rested and slowly regained her strength.
Grateful beyond words, Ivy’s family invited Hudson to stay for dinner — and even offered him a bed for the night.
“I’d been sleeping in a tent in the wilderness for two months,” Hudson said. “Being offered a warm meal and a bed meant everything.”
You can watch the whole story unfold in a video here:
The next morning, Hudson said goodbye and paddled back onto the river, carrying more than just memories from the encounter.
“The kindness I’ve experienced in Canada has been incredible,” he said. “And the response from people around the world has reminded me how much good still exists.”
What began as a quiet day on the water turned into a rescue neither Hudson nor Ivy will ever forget.
Keep up with Hudson's adventures by following him on Instagram and YouTube.
