Animal Advocates Watchdog
Story updates: Channel-swimming dog needs home
By Joanne Hatherly, Times Colonist May 9, 2010 The Updates column brings readers up to speed on stories we've reported on in the recent past.
No lighthouse keepers need apply
Then: In November 2009, Malcolm, a 10-year-old shepherd-labrador cross, took it upon himself to swim through the turbulent waters of Enterprise Channel between Trial Island and Oak Bay.
Only days earlier, Malcolm had moved in with an assistant lighthouse keeper at Trial Island in a foster arrangement through Victoria Adoptables Dog Rescue. The island's 25 hectares of wide open spaces and ocean breezes had little appeal, however, for Malcolm -- who some speculated quickly grew bored with the solitude of lighthouse life. Malcolm was returned to a pet foster home in Sooke, where he had lived before moving to Trial Island.
Now: After spending the winter in Sooke, Malcolm, now 11 years old, is looking for a home again. His owner's long work and school hours make it difficult for her to keep him and he needs more companionship with someone who is home during the day. His adoption listing is at victoriaadoptables.com.
Along with a list of his attributes is a caveat: "Please, no lighthouse keepers or small island dwellers need apply."
Carol Broad, spokeswoman for Victoria Adoptables, said Malcolm hasn't had any exploits since his channel swim.
"He's a real character," Broad said. "He's a pretty active boy, but so far the only swimming he's done is at Beaver Lake."
