Reunion in the works between San Diego family and missing dog found in Alta.

PONOKA, Alta. - Wait until all the other pooches in balmy San Diego hear about Jake's journey to the frozen countryside of rural Alberta!

Last summer, a California couple and their two dogs drove up to central Alberta to visit family in Wetaskiwin. However, one of their dogs, Jake, had his own idea of adventure and one evening decided to explore the Alberta prairie with a stroll on a warm August night.

Unfortunately for Jake, his vacation itinerary did not coincide with that of his owners - particularly the departure time.

After a lengthy search, Jake's broken-hearted family had to give up and headed home without their best buddy.

Fast-forward six months later to Wednesday, when Kelly Tebb, the community peace officer in Ponoka, about half an hour's drive south of Wetaskiwin, received a complaint of a squatter that had taken shelter from a nasty cold snap under an abandoned bus near the local Baptist Church.

Tebb bundled up against the -25 C temperatures and heavy snow and headed out to investigate. With a few kind words and some turkey pepperoni sticks, the community peace officer and the wayward dog came to an understanding.

Fortunately, Jake still had his San Diego passport - in the form of dog tags and a microchip - around his neck.

A quick phone call to San Diego left Jake's family relieved to know he is warm and safe in a Ponoka kennel, receiving two square meals a day, while a reunion is in the works.