My husband, Ken, grew up exploring the wooded hills behind their family farm in Whatcom County. At 77, he has not let being blinded by glaucoma stifle his curiosity and pension for exploring. With his white-and-red walking sticks and the very little vision he has left, he enjoys being on the trails we have run and walked near our place for almost 20 years.

On Wednesday, Feb. 10, he left for a walk shortly after noon. By 3:45 I was extremely concerned and called him. He said he was lost in the woods. 

I ran the trail he said he took but was unable to connect with him. A short time later, his phone died. There was no way to reach him after that.

I called 911. It was late, dark and freezing. When Deputy Brian Peterson and Captain Ben Stamper from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office arrived, they determined search & rescue needed to be activated. Volunteers on foot and ATVs were called in as were dogs and handlers. By midnight Ken was located in a swamp. Soaked and freezing, he was so happy to see an exuberant bloodhound named Jelly and his handler!

We are incredibly grateful to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the various search & rescue dogs and handlers and all the people who were a part of the successful efforts! The skills, knowledge and resources of all involved are a gift not only to us but to all who have benefitted from them.

Pat Todd
PORT LUDLOW