Stray dog clings to log in alligator-ridden swamp as animal control officer moves to save him
When neighbors heard a dog in the middle of a lake, they knew the dog was in danger.
In Lake Country, Florida, local law enforcement responded to a call that could’ve been the difference between life and death.
The incident happened around the Bassville Park area where neighbors spotted a dog stranded in the middle of an island.
But the dog was not surrounded just by any water.
The water the dog was in was infested by alligators.
Florida is home to a million alligator and crocodilian species. It’s only one of the few places in the world where one can see both in the wild.
With our habitat encroaching on theirs, the collision between man and nature is unavoidable.
Brazen crocodile and alligator attacks can threaten humans but they can also put our pets’ lives in danger. Just recently, incidents like these were becoming a bit more common.
There were people who wrestled with these giant reptiles to save their pets and those who were unfortunate enough to lose them.
Animal enforcement wouldn’t let that happen to this dog.
The details of the daring rescue were posted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook. Neighbors saw him all the way from the dock but they found no way how to reach the dog.
It was the same problem that the responding agent, Officer Amy Riccio had to figure out.
Danger lurked in the water.
The dog was desperately clinging to a log and the officer knew that the alligators were circling close by.
“Knowing what lurks in the waters, they were concerned the alligators would get to the dog before units could arrive,” the post from the Sheriff’s Office shared.
She needed to think fast.
Disregarding her safety just to get to the dog, she waddled through the thick brush of the swamp.
Then, she tied together two 2×4 wood boards so she could make a bridge.
From one challenge to another
She used said bridge to get closer to the poor stranded dog. It was only the first part of her challenge, however. She needed to make sure as well that dog trusted her.
The dog might’ve felt Officer Riccio’s intentions so it became easier to befriend him.
The post mentioned that Officer Riccio was able to carry the dog on her shoulders and cross back over the makeshift bridge.
The dog was wearing a big smile while he was being rescued. Thanks to the efforts of a dedicated animal enforcement officer, the dog was able to escape the jaws of death.
Onto the next task…
It was taken to the Lake County Animal Shelter where he’ll stay until his owners are located.
Tingnan ang post na ito sa Instagram
The love came pouring in.
People are quick to send their appreciation Officer Riccio’s way.
Some of them admired the officer’s selflessness and courage. Others sent their messages of support for the dog.
While the origins of the circumstance remain unclarified, we can only hope that the dog won’t have to go through something like this ever again. In the meantime, we’re just happy that he’s safe and sound.
As for Office Riccio, you deserve all the recognition!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Source: Facebook – Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Instagram – @lakecountyso, People, FOX