We almost lost Sawyer!

Oh my goodness! My husband and I took Sawyer for our typical walk along the river. The current is extremely fast this time of year. We always have him on leash, but for whatever reason today he just bolted in--leash and all!! He didn't know what to do with that current and in just a few seconds he was being swept downstream! My husband ran 100 yards ahead and started stripping down... I just kept running along the bank and calling his name. Poor thing kept choking on the water as he tried to doggie paddle to the side. He made it to where I was but the bank was too steep and too full of trees and bushes to pull himself out, especially with the current fighting him. I tried to remain calm, in fact, all I kept thinking about were the stories I've read of humans trying to save their dogs and it turning out badly for the humans, but the dogs figure it out and turn out fine. I pushed myself through the branches, put one leg all the way in the water, and reached for his little doggie bone poop bag holder that's attached to the end of his leash, it was floating near me. Thank goodness for that! His leash would have sunk, but that little plastic bone hovered above water! I pulled him as close as I could, but I was sliding down the bank as well.. So I just kept inching myself up a little at a time.. And finally he got enough footing to pull himself out. My poor husband was just waiting to dive in, but he ran so far down he couldn't hear me yelling to help us. Phew, that was more adventure than I needed for my lifetime. Had to give him a major bath when we got home... Bummer is we just had him groomed on Wednesday! Lol..

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Permalink Reply by Laurie, Wally & Charlotte on May 17, 2015 at 1:05pm

That is one harrowing story! How terrifying. Thank goodness that you remained composed and had the clarity of mind to figure out a way to save him.

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Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on May 17, 2015 at 1:41pm

OMD, I was scared to death just reading this! So glad you were able to save him!

Maybe a doggy life vest would be a good idea for your river walks?

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Permalink Reply by Kris and Sawyer on May 17, 2015 at 6:37pm

Yes! Was already thinking that!

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Permalink Reply by Amy and Annabelle on May 17, 2015 at 1:57pm

So glad everyone is safe and sound. I am glad your title had almost lost in it. As I was reading it I kept telling myself it all turned out ok. I'm not sure I could have remained that composed in that situation. Water scares me anyway.

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Permalink Reply by F, Calla & Luca on May 17, 2015 at 3:03pm

HoW terrifying. I am happy for the good ending.

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Permalink Reply by Ricki and Tara (doodle) on May 17, 2015 at 3:21pm

I'm so glad you are all okay! My DH and I had a conversation about this type of event last time we took Tara to the river...you know...what if...??? Your tale sounds like our worst nightmare!

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Permalink Reply by Chris & Abby on May 17, 2015 at 4:42pm

What a frightening time that must have been. I only hope I would stay calm and do the right thing, as you did! I am going to find that bone shaped poop bag I tucked away and attach it to Abby's leash right now. What a great ending to a terrifying experience. I hope you all rest well tonight!