Dog Struggling to Stay Afloat in Frigid River Rescued by Police Helicopter | The Animal Rescue Site
Andrea Powell
On March 23 at 6:09pm, a call came into 911 dispatchers at Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office about a goldendoodle named Cooper struggling to stay afloat in the middle of the freezing Seneca River.
The caller was going to jump in the river to rescue the dog, but dispatchers advised him to wait for rescuers.
Screenshot: Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office
The police helicopter Air1 was conducting a patrol flight at that time and was able to respond immediately. Just one minute after the call came in rescuers were on the scene.
They shared a rescue video on Instagram and wrote, “Due to the dog’s condition, the decision was made to perform a skid rescue. Air 1 flight crew conducted a skid walk to the rear of the helicopter, secured himself to the aircraft, and directed the pilot to the dog.”
Screenshot: Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office
The helicopter carefully landed on the water and the crew member was able to pull the dog out of the water and into the aircraft. The poor pup was shivering and extremely cold.
Rescuers landed the helicopter at a local ball field where Baldwinsville Fire Department Personnel were waiting with warm blankets for the dog. Cooper was reunited with his owner and is doing well.
Thanks to quick actions and teamwork, the dog was saved. Thank you to all involved.
The heroes who piloted and rescued the dog, Sgt. Jim Farley and Deputy Levi Taylor of the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, talked with Jesse Weber Live about the rescue. Watch that interview below.
Read more articles by Andrea Powell.