A beloved Saskatchewan food truck is back with its owners after being discovered in a tree line next to a farmer’s field days after it was reported stolen, thanks to a community-wide search effort.
The SpuDogs food truck and trailer, well known at fairs and events across west-central Saskatchewan, was taken from North Battleford sometime overnight on Sept. 13. The theft sparked an outpouring of support on social media, with residents across the region combing grid roads and highways in hopes of spotting it.
On Wednesday, farmer Kendall Fransoo came across the truck, pushed into a row of trees near his field. In a video shared online, SpuDogs owners could be seen riding out to the location in a farm sprayer before later climbing into Fransoo’s combine to celebrate the discovery.
“Thanks so much to Kendall … he is gettin’ free SpuDogs for life,” the owners wrote in a Facebook post, praising Fransoo for being alert when he could have simply “been rocking out to Morgan Wallen or Luke Bryan” while working his fields.
The owners say the food truck sustained minor exterior damage, including dents, scrapes and some frame damage from being forced into the bush. Inside, however, they described it as “one heck of a mess” but salvageable.
RCMP are continuing to investigate.
Despite the ordeal, the SpuDogs team says the experience highlighted the compassion and determination of their supporters. In a statement to West Central Online Gayle Clarke said this
Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude today -our beloved SpuDogs has been found! Words can’t even begin to describe how thankful we are for each and every person who searched near and far, who shared our posts, who drove around looking, and who sent us the most uplifting, compassionate messages. In one of our most hardest moments, your kindness fuelled our fire even more and reminded us how powerful community spirit can be! The outpouring love, support and encouragement has truly blown our minds. Every message every share every single bit of effort - it all mattered and carried us through! We felt lifted by the community, our customers, friends and family and we’ll never forget it! You are ALL embedded in the spirit of SpuDogs. Thank you thank you thank you!! From the bottom of our hearts! You bet, SpuDogs will see you again soon! Love SpuDogs PeAcE