Health

Dog Rescue in Los Angeles: Dog Rescued from Flood Water (VIDEO)

by Scott Wu | January 22, 2010 at 02:35 pm

2555 views | 14 Recommendations | 7 comments

A dog was rescued from flood water in Los Angeles by LA firefighters. A firefighter was dropped from a helicopter to rescue the dog from the fast moving flood water at around 12:30 p.m.

The dog initially struggled and bit the firefighter who attempted to get it out of water. The firefighter was eventually able to hold the dog steady, and both of them were airlifted out of the water safely.

The dog was reported walking in several inches of water about 11:30 a.m. near Washington Boulevard, said Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The sides of the concrete ditch are steep and the canine was unable to climb out. A bridge was shut down as fire engines, ambulances and helicopters -- including media choppers -- swarmed the scene.

It is still not clear how the dog got in the flood channel.

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Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 15:01 on January 22nd, 2010

I saw the incident life. Has there been any word how the dog is doing now. When the rescuer came up to the dog in the channel, the dog apparently bit him. He was able to to get a hold of the dog and summon the chopper to pull him out of the water.

When the dog and rescuer were lowered on the road, the dog seemed to have been worked on for some time before being taken to an ambulance.

It was not clear how the dog was doing?

Scott Wu

at 15:54 on January 22nd, 2010

The dog is doing fine, but they still haven't identified the owner.

The rescued German shepherd was taken by ambulance to the SEAACA shelter in Downey.

Los Angeles Fire Capt. Steve Ruda says the dog is doing fine and is being checked for rabies.

The dog had a collar but its owner is unknown.

nanute

at 06:42 on January 23rd, 2010

It was Shep Smith's finest hour in reporting.

AreB (not verified)

at 17:10 on January 23rd, 2010

All of the world that has seen this rescue most obviously wants to adopt this German Shepherd....And I am one of those people! It totally warmed my heart to see such a heroic effort to save one lone dog! God Bless you LAFD!

Patricia Hayes (not verified)

at 18:46 on January 23rd, 2010

Congratulations LAFD, It was wonderful to see, and makes the world seem a better place, when wonderful people like you bravely rescue an animal like that, because all creatures great and small should be considered important. It makes me believe in human nature. GOD BLESS YOU.

kl (not verified)

at 08:38 on January 31st, 2010

wonderful story...............thanks so much for saving him

Water damage (not verified)

at 17:09 on February 27th, 2010

I understand that fire fighters must put their lives on the line to rescue people from flood waters etc all the time - it's the nature of their job, but sometimes when they risk their lives to save a pet or animal it seems a bit overboard to me. Sorry.