Florida Family Rescues Drowning Dog From the Middle of a Lake
In Deltona, Florida on Sunday, resident Leslie Acosta and her family were enjoying a day at the lake when they noticed something alarming. The family saw a tired-looking dog swimming by itself in the middle of the lake.
The family first tried to rescue the five-year-old shepherd lab mix named Dax with a canoe, but when that didn't work they used a jon boat.
I can't even image what this must have been like for this family! You go to the lake to hopefully spend a nice day with your kids and make some memories but I'm sure they weren't expecting this, and this is for sure a memory they will never forget! Fox35 reports that Acosta said, "It was exhilarating and exciting. I mean, yeah, we got some action on a Sunday. We got to do a little Baywatch rescue mission." LOL!
Related: Dog Miraculously Saved From Drowning by a Delicious Baked Good
Per Fox35, Dax's thankful owners issued the following statement, "Dax’s adventurous spirit got the better of him on the 25th when our fence gate broke. Luckily for our family there were people kind enough to go above and beyond in assisting his return home. We’re incredibly grateful for the individuals who pulled him out of the lake! Not to mention the extra time they put in afterwards to care for him. I’d also like to thank the local Facebook community for assisting in the search as well as the local shelters for providing additional information. Having Dax back means more than they could know. We’re blessed to be surrounded by such a phenomenal community."
Thank goodness this family was there and were committed to helping Dax! What wonderful people they are! We are so happy Dax is now safe and sound at home with his family.
Why It Can Be Dangerous To Rescue a Drowning Dog
Because the above heroic family was in a boat, attempting this rescue was different from someone swimming to the middle of a lake to save a dog.
Attempting to rescue a drowning dog can be extremely dangerous for both the dog and the person attempting the rescue. Dogs may become extremely frightened in these situations and struggle in the water, increasing the chance of both you and the dog drowning.
The most important thing you can do if your dog is drowning, or you see another dog drowning, is try and remain calm. Immediately call emergency services or animal control to report the situation and seek help from the professionals who are trained to know what to do in these situations.
You can attempt to find something on shore to help the dog, like a flotation device, stick or something else for them to grab onto while you try and coax the dog to swim to safety.
Dog parents should teach their dog to swim so in case something like this does happen, your dog will know how to either stay afloat or swim to shore.
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