Dog missing on Coquihalla found dead, owner grateful for help of Kamloops searchers

After a week of searching, the missing dog lost at a brake check near Kamloops has been found dead.

It appears Pepe was struck by a car shortly after he went missing, Chilliwack owner Lisa Marucio said.

Last Monday, she stopped to let her dogs out to at a brake check between the Inks Lake Road exit on the Coquihalla.

After returning the dogs to the car, she resumed her journey without realizing that Pepe had escaped from the open passenger door.

Pepe's body was found by a local who had been out searching all week. Marucio said he brought the body to a local vet and had him cremated.

It wasn't the ending she was hoping for, but Marucio did learn some important lessons.

She plans on installing a leash in the back of her car to ensure her remaining dog does not escape in the same way, she said.

Marucio is also grateful for the outpouring of support she received from the Kamloops community when Pepe went missing.

"There was so many people, calling and texting," she said. "They really stepped up and helped me. It was heartwarming, even though it was heartbreaking at the end."

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