Annette Hayden Havre Daily News ahayden@havredailynews.com
Someone call Hollywood! Beloved Buck, a 7-year-old golden retrieve is home in Washington, after surviving more than six months lost in the Montana wild through one of the worst winters in years. "We just got back from Montana my new favorite place is Chester! And thank God for miracles, because BUCK is BACK!” shouted Kim Halter, wife, mother and the co-owner of the family's prodigal dog. The opening scene of the now happily- ever-after story began in Aug. 12,Family stretched their legs at the Chester rest stop. A harmless train whistle blew startling the family's cityraised dog causing Buck to bolt as if running for his life. "It was like he just vanished into thin air," Kim had said. "We couldn't find him anywhere." Kim, expecting, her husband Chuck and their two boys, Josh and Jason who was especially close to Buck waited and searched. They slept in their car for two days, hoping he'd find his way back them, afraid if they left the area they would never find him. With no Buck in sight and no one they asked having seen him, the family went into action posting flyers for some 60 miles along U.S. Highway 2, all the way to Chinook. They called the Havre Daily News to publish the information, hoping someone, somewhere, would call them. When vacation time came to an end, Kim said it was almost intolerable knowing they were leaving Buck behind. By fall, the family had pretty well given up hope of ever knowing the fate that had become of their beloved Buck. "Jason, our oldest, is having a really hard time with it," Halter had told HDN. "They were really close." Kim just knew there was no way Buck would survive a Montana winter in the wilderness, adding she only hoped someone had taken him in and would treat him well. From lost hope to a miracle, the phone rang January 30. Beyond the odds, the voice at the other end wasn't sure, but thought they had just found Buck. "I got a call that he might have been found from Maxine Woods, my angel, who said that Jason Wankins might have him," Kim said. "I asked her to take a picture and e-mail it to me. As soon as I saw the pic I knew." Chuck's cousin, Joan Brekke, went to check. When she called the Halters she told them she had seen the dog and checked his teeth, which was proof positive, because Buck has an under-bite. "The dog was so cold, starving cold," Kim said. "And the coyotes I can't tell you (all) the animals out there. After talking to Maxine and Joan, I talked to the Wankins and told them we would be coming as soon as we could pack!" Kim said. "My husband Chuck and I, with our sons, Jason and his brother Josh, all made the trip along with Buck's two new sisters he had never met. Jason was skeptical until he actually laid eyes on Buck and then he was overjoyed. The Wankins boys had made a “Welcome Home” poster with pictures, given Buck a bath and bought toys and food, too. "As soon as Buck saw us he had tears in his eyes just as did we. …veryone was crying," Kim added. "Buck was all over Jason and they were on the floor at the Wankins hugging and kissing. People were hugging and crying and Buck was soooo happy! "He is home and safe now and he acts like nothing ever happened," she added. "Just as sweet as ever. Thank you to all for your prayers and well wishes. Without it, this would not be possible. Our special thanks goes to the Wankin family, and thank you Havre Daily News for all you did when Buck was missing, we are so grateful to you."2008. A relaxing family vacation turned to heartbreak as the Halter
