B.C.'s overdose crisis: Meet the 'hero' dog saving people's lives
When Trey Helten was given a puppy as a gift, he had no idea his new four-legged friend, Zelda, would eventually learn to help save people’s lives.
“She’s a three-year-old pitbull-mastiff cross and she’s a hero,” Helten said.
Helten manages the Overdose Prevention Society, a safe injection site in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside that monitors drug users. Zelda has been a regular fixture at the society since she was a puppy.
“She mostly keeps people in check. When there’s fights happening she stops those from happening, she’ll bark, let her presence be known," Helten said.
Zelda is now three years old and has learned how to keep an eye on people. Growing up at the centre, she’s watched Helten walk around and check on people using drugs at the tables.
Recently, she’s started doing it on her own.
Last week, security cameras captured her nudging a man who wasn’t moving. When she didn’t get a response, she bumped him again in the back until she saw movement.
“I had to check the CCTV footage up close. It was pretty shocking, heartwarming,” Helten said. “She’ll walk in a circle and she’ll check if someone’s unconscious. Sometimes she likes to go straight for the face – they’ll get the cold, wet dog nose right to the face if they don’t respond.”
And if there’s an issue, Zelda will make it known. Helten says she once spotted someone behind his van who was overdosing.
“She started alerting staff by barking and wouldn’t stop until someone went back there and checked and this person probably would have died if it wasn’t for the dog, 100 per cent,” he said.
Clients who have been coming to OPS have now formed strong bonds with Zelda. One bond in particular has been life saving, according to Helten.
“One day (the client) was feeling suicidal and Zelda snuggled with him and he says that if it wasn’t for that, that he would have done something stupid,” Helten said, with tears welling in his eyes.
Figures released this week reveal B.C.’s overdose crisis is showing no signs of slowing down. The latest update from the province's chief coroner includes 184 deaths in the month of July, making it B.C.'s second-deadliest month in the years-long crisis.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.