A Richmond family is devastated after their beloved dog Ranger was killed by a hit-and-run driver.
A husband and wife, who wish to remain anonymous, lost their 14-year-old Doberman/German shepherd cross on Saturday, March 3 while out for an evening stroll.
A dark grey, four-door sedan failed to stop at the crosswalk at Shell Road to Bamfield Gate and struck both the woman and dog.
In an email, Heather M. (the man's sister) wrote to the News about how heartbroken her brother and sister-in-law are about losing Ranger.
"You broke this poor dog's leg, crushed his pelvis, and caused internal injuries," she said said. "There was so much damage, the poor dog had to be put down. You caused not only pain and suffering to the dog but also to the family it belonged to."
According to Richmond RCMP Cpl. Sherrdean Turley, the vehicle made no attempt to miss the husband and wife, who were dressed in dark clothing.
"The female was treated on the scene and suffered bruising and soreness," Turley said.
In her email, Heather (who didn't want her last name used) wrote, "Upon doing this, you took the life of a beloved family dog, one who had brought joy and happiness to four people as well as other extended family members and friends, not just people, but fellow dogs as well. This dog was a member of a family, not just the pet, and will be missed more than you will ever know."
Turley reminds pedestrians to wear light coloured, reflective cloth-ing and to not assume that vehicles will stop for you just because you're at a marked crosswalk.
"Pedestrians need to make eye contact with every driver/vehicle coming towards them to determine for themselves whether or not it looks like they're going to stop," she added. "It's also a reminder for drivers to slow down, be alert and pay attention to what's going on around them when driving."
The combination of darkness, rain and slippery roads makes it hard to see and hard to stop. We're fortunate that the injuries weren't more severe."
The police continue their investigation and they urge the person responsible to come forward.
"If you are reading this please turn yourself in, it would be best for all concerned and to avoid any further tragedies," wrote Heather.
