How long could you tread water if your life depended on it?

Hopefully, most of us will never have to know.

Back in February, a boat with a 63-year-old man and his German Shephard sank near Queensland, Australia.

The boat had lost power and began to take on water in the evening and no one knew about the accident as the owner clung to a piece of the vessel all night long.

Meanwhile, Heidi, his dog, was able to tread water for 11 hours until she was spotted!

German Shepherds can become very capable swimmers but aren’t naturally built for it. It’s unclear what experience Heidi had being in the water up until that point but we imagine she wasn’t a novice if she was allowed to go out in the boat.

Still, her ability to keep herself afloat for so long is incredible!

And it was because a fisherman saw her – surrounded by a fuel tank, tackle box and wetsuit – early the next morning that anyone even realized a boat had sunk and a human also needed to be rescued.

While Heidi was brought back to Manly Boat Harbour by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the Brisbane Water Police jumped into action and mounted a rescue for the boat’s captain.

Heidi was spotted around 6 am. A helicopter, 4 police vessels, the Marine Safety Queensland jet ski, and the Volunteer Marine Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue were all deployed by 7:25 am.

Rescuers discovered more detritus from the accident and feared whoever was on the boat had drowned.

But at 10:25 am, the man was seen clinging to part of his boat near the Brisbane boat passage in Moreton Bay.

No one knows how he got separated from the boat’s cargo and his pup, but anything can happen when you’re out in the water.

Police said the man had been afloat for nearly 15 hours by the time he was pulled ashore.

Both the man and dog were assessed for injuries but found to be in relatively good health after the ordeal.

Senior Sergeant Jay Bairstow from Brisbane Water police took care of Heidi after her check-up until she could be reunited with her owner, allowing her to rest and take in some nutrition and hydration.

“Thankfully there was a happy ending to this search and Heidi was able to be our honorary PD for the day,” Bairstow said.

Those following the story on social media were thrilled to see a sweet photo of the man’s reunion with his pup following their ordeal.

“Beautiful photo of the man and his faithful little dog,” said one commenter.

The police reminded people to always be prepared when going out on the water:

“Always wear personal flotation device and ensure that your safety equipment, including EPIRBs, are tested and in good order.”

And commenters were quick to suggest that doggie lift jackets become a common sight on vessels as well.

“Well done Heidi. Definitely man’s best friend. Hopefully he will now buy her a doggie life jacket.”

Be sure to scroll down below for a brief news story on the dramatic rescue.

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Source: Global News, ABC 7 News, Queensland Police News