Late one quiet Sunday evening in Cross Lake, Manitoba, two friends sat outside enjoying the stillness of the water.
Junior Cook and his buddy, Leon Colombe, had lived near the lake for years and knew every sound that drifted across it.
But that night, something felt different. Faint cries echoed from the dark stretch of islands beyond their yard.
At first, they assumed it was just wildlife — maybe wolves fighting or foxes calling.
Lost Cries Across The Lake
The next morning, the noise returned, sharper this time, almost like desperate pleas. Junior reached for his binoculars and scanned the island in the distance.
He saw movement — small shapes darting among the trees. Curiosity tugged at him until he and Leon decided to take their boat and check it out. As the motor hummed and the island grew closer, their confusion turned to disbelief.
What they had thought were wild animals were actually seven small puppies — alone, stranded, and starving.
When the men stepped ashore, they were met with wagging tails and cautious eyes. The puppies, about four months old, looked both hopeful and terrified.
Their thick coats hid thin, fragile bodies that told the story of weeks without food. The island offered little more than rocks, tall grass, and a few fir trees.
There was no sign of shelter, no fresh water, and no source of food. Somehow, these little survivors had endured against the odds.
Stranded Souls On “Gilligan’s Island”
Junior and Leon shared the meager snacks they had brought, tossing bits of food onto the ground while keeping their distance.
The pups approached hesitantly, too scared to get too close. When the men returned home that night, they couldn’t shake the image of the lonely dogs.
They reached out to Deborah Vandekerkhove, the director of Norway House Animal Rescue, for guidance.
Together, they created what they affectionately called “Operation Gilligan’s Island.”
Each pup was named after a character from the old TV show — Gilligan, Skipper, Ginger, the Professor, Mary Ann, Thurston Howell III, and Mrs. Howell.
The plan was simple but dangerous: ferry food, water, and supplies across the cold lake each day until the puppies trusted them enough to be saved.
For two long days, the friends carried out the mission.
They hauled bags of kibble, jugs of water, kennels, and even dragged Junior’s own doghouse onto the island to give the frightened pups shelter. Slowly, the dogs began to understand that these men weren’t there to harm them.
When touched, they still flinched or cried out, signs that they had once known human contact — and probably not a kind one. But little by little, their fear began to fade.
A New Beginning For The Island Pups
By the third day, the transformation was remarkable. When Junior and Leon arrived, the pups ran to the water’s edge, wagging their tails in excitement.
They were ready to leave the island that had nearly taken their lives.
One by one, the men carried them onto the boat, their tiny bodies trembling not from fear but from relief.
Back on the mainland, the group was met by rescuers from Norway House Animal Rescue, who whisked the puppies to safety and warmth.
In foster care, their personalities blossomed almost overnight. Two of the little girls remained shy, still hesitant to approach new people, but the rest acted as if they had never known hardship.
They rolled in blankets, played with toys, and explored every inch of their new surroundings.
Gilligan and Skipper quickly became inseparable — playful, curious, and always side by side. The others followed close behind, forming a small, joyful pack.
Each day brought more laughter, more wagging tails, and more hope. Their rescuers couldn’t stop smiling as they watched the pups rediscover what love felt like.
No one knows how the puppies ended up on that remote island. Perhaps they were abandoned, or maybe they drifted there by accident.
What matters now is that they are safe, loved, and cared for. Soon, the seven survivors will travel to Winnipeg Pet Rescue, where veterinarians will give them full health checks and ensure they’re strong enough to find forever homes.
For Deborah and the rescue team, this story is a reminder of how powerful compassion can be — that a moment of curiosity and kindness can save lives. “They’re doing great,” she said proudly. “Every day they’re just getting better and better.”
From lonely cries across a lake to wagging tails and playful hearts, the “Gilligan’s Island” puppies have finally found their way home — not to the island where they were stranded, but to a world filled with care, warmth, and the promise of love.