DULUTH, MN (KDAL) – Last Thursday evening, the Duluth Fire Department responded to a call for help after a dog had escaped his leash and jumped into the ship canal.
With the dog struggling in eight foot waves, crew members in the department’s inflatable rescue boat put on their ice rescue suits and entered the water.
The high waves, limited light and dark color of the dog made it tough for the crew to find it.
Once located, firefighters were able to grab the dog’s collar and keep it from going under again while they were swept into the bay.
With calmer water there, personnel were able to finally get the dog into the boat and took it to the back side of the South Pier Inn where it was treated for exposure.
When his owners arrived, the dog was showing marked signs of improvement, was able to walk on its own and jumped into the owner’s car with tail wagging.
In a statement, the Fire Department says they put rescuers lives at risk to save an animal knowing how important pets are to families.
It is also meant to keep untrained bystanders and owners from trying to take action on their own.
Given the high waves and cold temperatures in the canal, anyone entering the water without the proper training and equipment would likely create a situation that could end tragically.
