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Two missing Rhodesian ridgebacks found dead in Glen Valley

Update: Memorial walk for Luna and Safari being held Jan. 28
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The bodies of Rhodesian ridgebacks Luna and Safari were found on Jan. 19 near their home in Glen Valley.

The story of two purebred Rhodesian ridgebacks that went missing from Glen Valley on Jan. 15 has taken a sad turn, with the discovery of both of the dogs' bodies.

Hayley and Jon Legassie updated their Facebook page on Thursday evening (Jan. 19), saying they were “devastated” that their “search has ended tragically.” Both Luna and Safari were found dead near their home in Glen Valley.

On Thursday morning, Hayley received an anonymous call from a train engineer who had hit a dog in the Langley area, and after seeing the media stories, believed it may have been either Luna or Safari.

Jon walked the tracks and soon located the remains of Safari. That night, he headed out again with Kira M’Lot, owner of the kennel both dogs frequented. M’Lot’s dog, Tayah, tracked Luna’s scent from where Safari’s body was found.

Luna was located only 50 metres away.

Based on physical signs, it appears that both had been dead for only a day or two and that someone had fed them prior to their death, the couple said.

On Saturday, Jan. 21, the Legassies received another anonymous tip telling them that someone did, in fact, pick up the dogs at 272 Street and River Road, and dropped them off at 264 Street and 88 Avenue, an area known as the “Dog Dike” by locals.

The tipster then ended contact when it was disclosed that the dogs had died.

The couple believe the dogs were making their way home when they encountered a pack of coyotes.

Safari escaped the coyotes, but fled into the path of an oncoming train.

Luna was not able to escape the coyotes.

“Our hearts are broken,” the couple wrote on Facebook.

“We are truly grateful for the outpouring of support that we have received from family, friends, and complete strangers. We cannot thank you enough.”

To show their appreciation, the Legassies are holding a “memorial romp” for Luna and Safari on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon at Beaver Creek Park (the Dog Dike), located  just east of 264 Street and 88 Avenue.

More details are available on the “Find Luna & Safari —Missing Rhodesian Ridgebacks” Facebook page.