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“That was definitely a miracle,” she said. “He called him one lucky dog.”

While Geo continues to recover at home, Rochelle said she wants other park users to know of the risk. The couple has contacted the province and has been in touch with a provincial conservation officer, who they say is investigating the incident.

“I just would hate for someone else to deal with this,” she said. “It’s a tough thing, and I think sometimes we forget — it’s not a perfect world and there’s a lot of danger out there.”

Since sharing her story on Facebook and creating a GoFundMe page for the surgery costs, Rochelle said the couple has received an outpouring of support. The dog owners are grateful for the help from both Geo’s medical team and all the strangers who have lent a hand. One woman who helped bring Geo to the vet later brought the dog’s Frisbee to the hospital and kept checking with staff to ask about the animal’s condition.

“We’ve just been shocked by all the supportive people, and a lot of people want to help and that means a lot,” she said.

While Geo has to be carried around while he recovers from the surgery, the staff at the pet hospital say “each day he’s getting better and better.”

The dog owners are hoping that the surgical skin repair will continue to heal and that the surgeon won’t have to follow up with a skin graft. And, eventually, they hope he’ll be strong enough to return to his hiking and other outdoor adventures with his owners.

“We’re glad he’s all right,” said Rochelle.

Postmedia requested comment from Alberta Environment and Parks but did not receive any confirmation of an investigation into the incident by deadline Sunday. This story will be updated when new information becomes available.

ycole@postmedia.com