Saturday, January 23, 2010

Dog Rescue: LA River (Video)

Americans love dogs.

The lengths that the Los Angeles Fire Department went to rescue a German shepherd caught in the Los Angeles River is testament to that.

From FOX News:

A California firefighter who was bit by a German shepherd as he hoisted the dog to safety from the Los Angeles River on Friday is not holding it against the frightened dog.

Joe St. Georges, a 25-year veteran of the L.A. Fire Department, told Fox News on Saturday that he suffered severe hand and arm injuries during the heroic helicopter rescue but is recovering.

...The dog, nicknamed Vernon after the Southern California town where he was found, is in good health and is being quarantined while animal experts monitor him for rabies. Vernon "appears to be well-maintained and cared for," said Sgt. Charles Miller of the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority in Downey, Calif.

"He’s doing fine, he’s enjoying his celebrity status," said Justin Guzman, Animal Control Officer.

The dog does not have a name tag or computer chip. Vernon's owners have ten days to come forward and claim the German shepherd before the dog will be put up for adoption.

“We’re encouraging the owner to come forward,” Guzman told Fox News. "We just want Vernon to find a nice home."

The dog's owners might be afraid to come forward, thinking they could be held liable for the injuries the firefighter sustained as well as for the cost of the rescue.

It was an expensive mission.

At least 50 firefighters responded to reports that the dog was in the river on Friday afternoon. For an hour, firefighters stood at the top of the steep, concrete banks, throwing life vest and float rings, hoping the dog would grab on. Most of the time, the canine walked along a pipe or ledge in the center of the river, sometimes slipping. One firefighter got into the river and tried to catch him, but the dog took off. Soon the pipe was submerged.

Fifty firefighters and a helicopter don't come cheap.

Firefighter Joe St. Georges risked his life to save someone's pet. It would be nice for the owners to come forward and at least thank him.


FOX News video.



Video, KABC.



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