It is with a heavy heart that we share the story of Danit Ehrlich and her dog Bamba. They were traveling through Missoula and on February 21st, it is believed that Danit tragically drowned in the Clark Fork River at Jacob’s Island Bark Park. Just days before their disappearance, another beloved family pet, Bear, also fell into the river and remains missing.

Unfortunately, these are not isolated incidents. This terrible scenario is one that plays out again and again each winter in Missoula. It seems that Jacob’s Island status as a well-known, popular dog park may have the effect of lulling visitors into a false sense of security in the winter months - making it easy to underestimate or misjudge the high level of danger hidden there along the snow and ice-covered river. This may be especially true for first-time visitors, who are often unaware of the open, mostly unfenced nature of the park, and unfamiliar with the landscape and its natural boundaries. As Danit was a solo traveler passing through Missoula on her way from Colorado to Washington, it is likely she was not familiar with the area, and therefore not aware of the risk involved in entering the dog park with Bamba. The fast-flowing water and unstable ice can present serious risks to park-goers and their pets during the winter and also the spring thaw.

There is an urgent need for precautions to be taken to prevent further heart-wrenching loss. We are advocating for Missoula's city officials to install official warning signs at Jacob’s Island Bark Park indicating the potential dangers of the river. Suggested language for this signage might include something like “Warning: area of unstable ice along the river. Snow may make it difficult to accurately determine where the river edge is located. Falling through ice has resulted in the deaths of dogs and humans in this area in the past. Avoid the area if possible, and enter at your own risk.”

Our community mourns the loss of Danit as well as every dog who has been lost to the river at Jacob’s Island Bark Park, and we implore our authorities to take this simple, but life-saving action. No more families should have to endure such loss. It's time for change. Be a part of this change. Sign the petition.