In a remarkable story of animal survival and resilience, a dog named Zoe has finally returned home safe and sound after missing for almost a year in the Canadian wilderness.
Lost and alone in the woods for 325 days, the yellow Labrador mix amazingly managed to endure through hunger, fear and extreme weather conditions. She even lived through “Snowmageddon,” a huge winter storm that hit the region in January. With gusting winds over 80 mph and snow up to 30 inches deep, this is truly an incredible feat.
After Zoe went missing from her home near Brigus Junction, Newfoundland in April 2019, her guardians Rebecca Curlew and Peter Vaters set up a Facebook page dedicated to finding their beloved dog.
Zoe was eventually discovered after someone posted a video of her on social media rummaging around for food at night. A trap was set in the woods, and she was finally caught. After slowly and carefully approaching Zoe, Vaters gained her trust, and the relieved couple were able to take their pet home again.
“Last night was a night unlike any other,” wrote Curlew in a Facebook post. “It will go down in the books as one that will NEVER be forgotten. We are completely overjoyed and appreciative to have our girl Zoe HOME WITH US!”

Image Credit: Rebecca Curlew/Facebook
“Although we were prepared to work with Zoe no matter what her state and aggression, we were astounded to see that she was still a gentle giant,” Curlew added. “… she was caught off guard when first trapped, [but] once she had calmed down, there was no barking… there was no growling… not an ounce of aggression. Instead, we have noticed that Zoe has a new confident streak to her personality. Upon her arrival to our home, she warmed up and began giving us kisses.”
And it certainly looks like the adventurous pup is happy to be home and warm again.
The Facebook page, which was instrumental in reuniting Zoe with her caretakers, has now been aptly renamed “Welcome Home Zoe!”

A very special story.
Keep cvhecking on the dog’s welfare. Dogs usually are happy to see their owners!
Justice, compassion, laws, life, LOVE for all animals 🙏🏼 Please 🙏🏼
Lewis – I am a Formula 1 fan and have changed my allegiance from another driver to LEWIS HAMILTON!!! Thank you for your visiting the fire ravaged area in New South Wales and your financial support of the wildlife in the area. The baby wombats were absolutely precious as were the other animals as well. I am sorry about the start of the season with the race in Australia being postponed as well as races two and three being on hold. Good luck during the season, I will be watching you!!!
What a wonderful story! Glad she’s back home with her loving pet parents.
Wonderful uplifting story about Zoe the dog who was lost in the Canadian woods. I know that Joy too, I lost a cat and after 6 months I finally found my cat in an animal shelter 10 miles away from my home I’ll never forget the feeling of joy, good job Zoe
Justice for animals!
I’m shocked this kind of thing is still happening,and in England.Shame!
I am glad Zoe was returned to her owners.
Happy endings to a sad story are the best. I am really glad that Zoe is home safe and sound.
Hooray for Zoe!! Wonderful story with storybook last chapter (or is this the beginning of a new celebrity for Zoe?)
WOW — Beautiful — Thank God for ALERT people who venture out to either hike or take walks — wonderful news.
I Hope Zoe isn’t pregnant!
So good to hear. Look at her beautiful smile. <3
HOW WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!