Ryan and Jana Roberts of Wetmore MI were travelling near Montrose South Dakota on I-90 when their truck and RV encountered black ice and slid off the road. Although the RV was completely destroyed and the truck they were driving was declared totaled, the 29 sled dogs in the RV escaped unharmed. The youngest dog, a 5-month-old puppy named Griffin, is still missing as of New Year’s Eve. He has been spotted at the scene of the crash and efforts are underway to rescue him.
“The trailer literally disintegrated, but the dog boxes held and protected our precious cargo.”The Roberts said in a statement given through her sister-in-law, a spokesperson for the family. They were able to salvage 16 of the crates and put them back into use.
“We managed to connect with the local rescue group that is experienced with all forms of trapping and rescue work, so beyond blessed with the right help,” Jana said.
Although the Roberts are required to return to Wetmore at the first of the year, rescue attempts will be on-going and will include a ride home for the missing dog when he is caught.
The other 27 dogs and the Roberts have been staying with the tow truck driver, the dogs getting comfortable in the driver’s barn. A local mechanic offered his 26’ bumper trailer toy hauler for a very good deal to help the Roberts get home. They have rented a U-Haul to pull the trailer and will return to Wetmore shortly.
The Roberts give credit to the McCook South Dakota Sheriff’s Office and Paul’s Towing in Mitchell, South Dakota for help during, and after the crash. They wish to extend their thanks to “the local Montrose residents and rescue K9 lovers” helping to capture the young dog.
While they wish they could stay until the missing dog is found, the rest of the dog team is tiring of being penned. For the sake of the remaining dogs, the Roberts have to return them home.
Efforts to find the missing dog will continue until the animal is found.
In the meantime, their truck and trailer have been totaled. A GoFundMe has been established for the Roberts at https://gofund.me/a9e632f7 to aid in the expenses in bringing their dogs home.
