[Closed] Yesterday I did something stupid, but would have done the same?

I'd jump off a sea wall in a storm to save my dog without a moments hesitation.

Although the little traitor snuggled up to my visiting dad all night as he had the new fleecy blanket on his bed....

I'd have tried my best from the bank. However watching him drown in that situation as opposed to being washed down stream may have made me do something stupid such as you did. Very hard one to judge unless you were there. Well done though and pick some numbers tonight. Glad you're both ok!

You only hear about the times people don't survive having tried to rescue their dog. You got out unharmed and with your dog that's what's important. Tell your friends to get out more. Well done.

Oh and pics of the dog please, it's the done thing round here.

I haven't had a dog for years but I'd have been in there even if wasn't mine. Well done you.

Agghh... that is such a tough one, I dread being in that position. if I could see the dog, then yes I suspect I would. But equally as an ex white water kayaker who has lost a friend, and seen too many near misses, with pinning on tree trunks it would be a hard call.

Really happy it worked for you. Guess everyone has to make their own call with this.

Yes I would without hesitation. Even if it wasn't mine. And I can't swim.

Oh man that's a tough one. Like wrightyson I think I would have tried from the bank but that's only because I'm not a confident swimmer, however unless you are in that situation I don't think you can really say what you'd do in the heat of the moment. I glad you are both safe and well.

First off, glad you rescued your dog, and it was all ok, but yeah "mostly" it's a bad idea. Can't say I wouldn't do the same though

I'd have gone in. If it happened to one of my dogs I wouldn't hesitate.
I couldn't stand there watching, doing nothing.
To some people they are just dogs but to those who have them they are so much more.

Well done on the rescue. Extra bonio for him 🙂

I think what you did was really stupid, but I would have certainly done the same.

Please understand, I'm not trying to come across all David Hassellhoff here, it really shocked me afterwards and the reason for sharing this is that I'm shocked at the general reaction so far by family and friends, " you shouldn't have gone after him," "90% of people who try and rescue the dog drown themselves" and "the dogs normally manage to find a way out etc etc" I mean wtf, he is a dog not a ball or toy that can easy be replaced and I love the little guy, what would you have done, if it was yours?????? And please keep away from the rivers folks. Cheers Macca

Not here to pass judgement, but my best friend very nearly lost his pet and his dad thanks to just such a situation at Rivington when I was a kid, so in an objective world, yes, it probably wasn't very sensible. But as you say, this is a pretty subjective situation, and objective thinking (possibly rightly) goes out of the window in such situations.

I understand what you did but what would be said to the family of the man who drowned trying to save you when you got into trouble trying to save your dog? The reason people are told not to attempt dodgy rescues is that they can turn a tragedy into a disaster.

I love my dogs and would do exactly the same even though it would be a massive struggle with the big guy as he is 9 stone. In the cold light of day however and everyone being risk averse its very easy to recommend not to do something. Stupid as its only a dog, yes. Stupid as you could have died, definitely. But your both here fit and well to tell your tale so a great outcome and well done.

andyl +1 luckily though getting my dogs into water is no mean feat!

Did you film it on GoPro #You've been Framed

Thanks guys, really appreciate that as I was pretty down yesterday after the whole thing and the reaction of folks, but I knew I could rely on you guys to tell it how it is, cheers all. For the record I'm a strong swimmer/surfer and was shocked by how strong the under current was compared to the surface speed of the water and also the power pinning at the tree trunk, please take care out folks.

In the cold light of day a stupid thing to do.

However, I couldn't of watched either of my 2 die without helping.

I would jump in, in the same way as if it was a child. I know it's not the same but if you own a dog you get very attached. Besides the Mrs would kill me if I came home without them!

Oh and pics of the dog please, it's the done thing round here.

Yeah, come on!

My daughter actually (who's only 11) said something the other day about water rescue which i was very impressed with. It was, that the best form of rescue is non contact rescue.
She's obviously learning something at lifesaving.

However watching him drown in that situation as opposed to being washed down stream may have made me do something stupid such as you did

+ 1 to wrighty's comment. Whilst I do think jumping in is generally a dumb idea if they are just being taken down stream, I'm not sure I could stand around watching my dog drown

If I'd been your friends and family I'd probably have shared the opinion that it wasn't a good thing to do, although I do understand how we react in these situations sometimes.

Dogs are much more easily replaceable than fathers, sons or husbands.

non contact rescue

Good idea but not sure how that would work with a dog?

A couple of years ago the wife was out with the kids and dogs when the westie went through some thin ice on the canal ....chasing ducks! She tried to get to him but he was too far away. She found a huge fallen branch and managed to break a path in the ice that he followed to the bank. This is however after he trod water for over 20mins. The emergency services were called and so was I at work. When I arrived there were no fewer than 4 fire engines, a rescue boat and about a hundred on lookers. It was quite a relief when I saw her walking along the bank with the bedraggled little dog wrapped in her coat. I think the fire brigade were within their right to bill us but the didn't.
She had said that if the kids hadn't been with her she would have gone in after him.

Yeah appreciate its not gonna be a great winner with the dog unless you tie his favourite stick to a piece of rope but it was just a general thought when rescuing other adults/kids etc.
I like the thought that she knows to stay on dry land as long as possible.

why don't people keep their dogs on the lead when nearby water is dangerous?

why don't people keep their dogs on the lead when nearby water is dangerous?

Agreed.

A work colleague of my wife a few years back was killed, as was her husband. He dived in after the dog and got into trouble, she went in after him. Result - Both gone, a baby in a pram left on the path without parents, and the dog died too.

I wouldn't judge as I've never been in the situation, but it's something that goes through my mind every time I hear of something similar.

Very, very sad. Good to hear you're ok though OP.

I’d have done the same for all the same reasons. You did a good thing, you saved your buddy. Must have been very scary, glad you're both unscathed. Extra Schmackos all round!

Glad it turned out ok for you.

It didn't turn out so well for the guy who drowned in Newton Abbot by entering a swollen river to rescue his dog on christmas eve.

I also saw a young boy get swept into the sea at Teignmouth on Christmas eve by a particularly large wave, fortunately he was able to scramble back onto the shore between sets.

If our dog couldn't get out, I'd have no chance. He swims, scrambles 100x better than me.
Glad your story had a happy ending.

Yep, would've done the same.
However, not in Yellowstone (visited the hot springs a few years ago and remember the warning signs around the springs - http://www.snopes.com/horrors/freakish/hotspring.asp )

Really glad you helped doggy, and you didnt drown and nobody tried /had to jump in to save you,go to your house and tell your relatives youd drowned.

But as they say a dog is for life not just for christmas, well done.

I have done the same... My rotty was getting old. I'd taken him up to the water fall and he went to his normal
Spot for a drink. Got washed away in a very similar manner I went straight in after him. We were in the water no longer than 2 minutes and it was one of the scariest things that has ever happened to me.

Massive karma to you mate !!

I'm not an animal lover...in fact, I reckon there is no need for them in a house...however, I completely understand the reaction and I'm pretty sure I'd have done exactly the same thing if it were mine. As much as pets aren't human children, to their owners they are, and parents will do anything to help their children - your action sounds perfectly acceptable to me...in fact if you hadn't done that and the dog drowned and you posted on here, I'd be asking you why you didn't jump in and try to save him.
My step-mum is a dog lover and had dogs all her life, so I've seen the bond that can be achieved and I completely understand it - I don't have it myself and can't be bothered with animals but I don't have an issue with others doing what they would do for their child.

Edit: Just re-read that...that sounds rather heavy...sorry folks.

Massive [s]karma[/s] korma to you mate
😀
Stupid thing to do, but I'd probably do the same..

I hate to break with the cosy reassuring consensus here, but.... I've always thought that, far from being intelligent creatures, as is often claimed, dogs are probably the most mindless and profoundly thick creatures on the planet. Then I look at the people who generally tend to own them, and I have to revise my opinion. They're actually only the second most stupid creature.

There was a story the on the news only 2 days ago about someone dying in a swollen river trying to rescue his mutt. I thought at the time 'what kind of brain dead imbecile would do something that stupid?'

Now I know. Thanks for confirming all my assumptions about the relative intelligence of all gods creatures.

Have you ever considered keeping goldfish. Less hassle, cleverer, and considerably less life threatening.

Have you ever considered keeping goldfish. Less hassle, cleverer, and considerably less life threatening.

ATleast goldfish can swim and when they die you can eat them.

If it was a sausage roll from Greg's you'd be in there in a shot.. 🙄 no doggy korma for you...

A couple of years ago the wife was out with the kids and dogs when the westie went through some thin ice on the canal ....chasing ducks! She tried to get to him but he was too far away. She found a huge fallen branch and managed to break a path in the ice that he followed to the bank. This is however after he trod water for over 20mins. The emergency services were called and so was I at work. When I arrived there were no fewer than 4 fire engines, a rescue boat and about a hundred on lookers. It was quite a relief when I saw her walking along the bank with the bedraggled little dog wrapped in her coat. I think the fire brigade were within their right to bill us but the didn't.
She had said that if the kids hadn't been with her she would have gone in after him.

I'm gonna sound a bit 'Daily Mail' here - but what a massive waste of public resources, and all because your wife didn't keep the dog on the lead. Why do so many dog owners think it's ok to have dogs off the lead when they have no control over them?

Yes I would without hesitation. Even if it wasn't mine. And I can't swim.

😕

My disabled MIL (walks with 2 walking sticks) jumped in the river Chelmer after my dog slipped in (my dog is 10 stone.....), she then got stuck herself and both had to be rescued by a very nice chap on his way back from work

In the all the commotion she lost her £2,000 diamond bracelet, least I could do was replace it. Never did get to thank the chap as he went about his business once he ensured both MIL and dog where ok

In the heat of the moment I'd probably do the same without thinking of the risks til it was too late and realised how stupid I was! Luckily you got out of it ok though, glad you and the dog are safe 🙂

Christ on a bendybus! I can't work out if you lot are interfering with Darwinism, or helping it along?

Count your blessings and learn your lesson (keep it under control)...

I'm with binners on this one. I'd like to think I wouldn't risk leaving my two kids without a dad to save a pet that was dumb enough to get itself in that situation. But in the heat of the moment who knows....

Hard to say, but I think he did the "correct thing" at the start, followed the dog down river, (you hear people jumping in straight away!)
But then when he saw the dog in real trouble he weighed up his options, first post I would say he was VERY stupid, but then he let slip in another post he a good swimmer and surfer so I sure he took that into account.
So I put it down to been a bit stupid to go in after the dog.

Glad you are both OK, enjoy your next trail blast with the dog (away from rivers?) 😆

WOW there are some overly harsh words from some.
Maybe it wasnt the wisest desision but that is what it is to be human. Live and learn you are both alright and thats the main thing. Glad it turned out alight!

OP, you were fortunate in getting out and have probably now had time to consider the consequences for your family if this had not been the case.

Swift water is hard enough to cope with even if you have the experience - I'm sure the pinning force was something of a shock (hats off to all you paddlers). Coming from more than a few years of Scottish Mountain Rescue and being Swif****er Rescue Technician qualified, I can happily say that in my experience water is much scarier than a thousand feet of exposure or anything firm ground can throw at you.

Giving advice about such things is never easy but I would offer the following.

Take ten seconds to view any hazardous situation objectively and ask "What if?"

Regardless, I can understand that it must have been a highly emotive moment and well done for having the capability to get yourself and mutt out safely.

Glad you and your dog are ok. Very difficult situation which is why lifeguard training is very specific. From the outset, you need to step away from the natural reaction and this is where training is required as it is UNNATURAL. One of the first rules of life saving is to ensure that you do not put your or other lives at risk. If that means losing an animal or another person, then so be it.

Rescuing dogs is sadly too common a cause of human deaths and the main lessons are that dogs are more likely to survive in the water than humans. As noted above a guy lost his life in the Rothay by Ambleside a few days ago. It sounds simple but obviously is not at all. But the best advice remains, resist jumping in the water to save anyone until all other options are exhausted and even then, think hard about your safety first.

often a man may show his humanity through his attitude towards animals. some revelatory comments here.
glad everyone came out safe and well OP. horrible situation to be in.

Nope. I think people diving in after pets are daft.

If my dog was in difficulty I'd find it had to resist but I have to kids, I'd rather they had a dad than me have a dog.

Like teamhurtmore says, it's a very last resort. I was a lifeguard for a few years and the actual event of jumping in heroically to save someone is less than you think (or perhaps I was just lucky). Generally there's a fair bit that can be done without putting yourself into deaths jaws as well.

often a man may show his humanity through his attitude towards animals. some revelatory comments here

I'm not sure you understand our point. Losing a parent, a son or a partner is a terrible thing. This is what I am arguing against, and it is from a humanitarian point of view.

So don't accuse me of lack of humanity.

Depends on the situation but wouldn't risk leaving my kids without a dad over a dog.

people do it, people regularly die doing it.

often a man may show his humanity through his attitude towards animals. some revelatory comments here

worth dying and depriving your family of a loved one to save something people eat? Applying a bit of perspective in the cold light of day doesnt make someone inhumane, nor does acting recklessly with no thought of the consequences in the heat of the moment, fuelled by adrenaline and emotion make you humane.

Some of us on here are the people who risk their lives trying to save you when youve risked yours...

As a fireman:
Professional view- Dogs mostly manage to self rescue, have been to jobs with dogs through ice where I've refused to commit crews due to no known location for the dog and risk of losing a ff through the ice..

As a dog owner- I imagine I'd jump in everytime, very very hard not too!

Stay safe out there folks

If that had been our dog my wife would have kicked me in to save it.

If I'd have died saving it, well, cest la vie.

Beaten by Samurai!

If I'd have died saving it, well, cest la vie

Wow.

My wife would not let me go in after a dog!

I've done a lot of white water kayaking and white water rescue training. I wouldn't jump in even if there was a person involved, trees and fast flowing water are a very easy way to die. The pressure exerted by even relatively slow moving water will drag you under no bother. I can understand why you jumped in but you were very lucky. You need to do your best to help without putting yourself in serious danger.

Makes you think doesnt it. No idea what I'd do. My dogs terrified of water so doubt it'll ever happen!
Binners, I find people who dont like dogs are mostly dead on the inside.

Binners, I find people who dont like dogs are mostly dead on the inside.

I hope that's tongue in cheek - otherwise it's a ridiculous thing to say.

No idea what I'd do but you're being overly harsh on your family and friends reaction- they're 100% right when they said you shouldn't have gone in.

I'm not sure you understand our point. Losing a parent, a son or a partner is a terrible thing. This is what I am arguing against, and it is from a humanitarian point of view.

So don't accuse me of lack of humanity.

i don't think you understood mine, and i didn't accuse you of anything. enjoy the rest of your day.

I hope that's tongue in cheek - otherwise it's a ridiculous thing to say.

almost as stupid as the person it was in reference too

I hate to break with the cosy reassuring consensus here, but.... I've always thought that, far from being intelligent creatures, as is often claimed, dogs are probably the most mindless and profoundly thick creatures on the planet. Then I look at the people who generally tend to own them, and I have to revise my opinion. They're actually only the second most stupid creature

You dived in to save the dog's ass? Was the ass out for a walk with you as well?

On a serious note: I might enter water to save an animal or a human but I certainly wouldn't dive, that's unnecessarily dangerous.

I don't like dogs and so don't have one. I'd never risk my own life to attempt rescue of one and am saddened when I hear of people losing their lives jumping into frozen/swollen water to do just that.

I don't like dogs and so don't have one

Are you mostly dead on the inside?

1- **** off Binners, you arsehole.
2- I know it's absolutely not what you are supposed to do but if I was in the same situation with my dog I would be in there after him so fast... As others have said if he was 'just' getting washed downstream I think I'd be following the bank and trying to encourage him to shore but seeing him trapped and drowning would probably override any sense I may have.

no hesitation whatsoever, id be right in after me hounds

IMO you have crossed from human to hero. Don't try and cross too often though !

Of course the dog can be easily replaced! Go down the dog's home and there are plenty. Your family can't exactly get a new 'you' however. It was stupid and you were just very lucky. In addition to the flow of the water pinning you or dragging you under, the temperature could also see you hypothermic or worse very quickly.

I also cannot believe emergency services are having to waste their time on pets through ice etc. You wouldn't let them off the lead next to a busy road would you so why is fast running/icy water any different?

I await all the dog lovers blasting me for my callous views.....

I think I might do the same.Who really knows? And then afterwards, I would probably feel stupid and shaken up. And if I was your family, I'd definitely tell you off.

If I was your dog, I'd probably just spend all day licking my balls.

I did the much more sensible thing in the same circumstances. I made the Mrs jump in! Not quite the swollen river scenario but river estuary. She stripped off and jumped in after our Border (guide to Borders "they have almost cat like balance" errrr right!) and I stayed on the bank side to pull her up the side of the estuary. Not risky but very funny and fisherman opposite were appreciative of stripping 🙂

2- I know it's absolutely not what you are supposed to do but if I was in the same situation with my dog I would be in there after him so fast...

So despite the fact that:

a) the dog is more likely to be able to self-rescue than you are to be able to save it
b) there is a high change that you are going to risk your own life by jumping in, and potentially those of others who will try to rescue you

Loads of people are still saying they would go in without a moment's hesitation. 😕

This is actually a basic human failing, which is that we value action over inaction, never mind how effective it is. No-one is ever commended for bravely waiting in the face of overwhelming pressure to do something, even if it turns out to have been the right thing to do.

It's understandable in the heat of the moment but a bit disappointing that lots of people will sit there at home and calmly reflect that they would do something completely irrational though.

Well from the highly thought through, intelligent and articulate responses from people who would leave their children fatherless for the sake of a big, daft furry shitting machine, who's probably a lot better swimmer than they are anyway, I now feel a bit silly for suggesting that is in fact the behaviour of an idiot

So... Apologies for even suggesting it. It's clearly me confusing heroism with idiocy. An easy mistake to make. Sorry!

Luckily for me, I'm unable to have children so they won't miss me. My wife would probably be in there with me, she anthropomorphises the dog even more than I do.
What I'm doing though is both considering what I would do in the same situation and also, rather than just trying my best to be the 'cock' of STW attempting to empathise with the op and reassuring him that although his actions were foolish he isn't alone in the way his emotional attachment to his pet has made him behave.

I just think the OP is very lucky, like others who have commented I love white water kayaking and have also trained as a lifeguard. And in all honesty there is no way would I have gone in after the dog.
Def run along the bank and see if there is a way of helping from dry land, but dive in? Not a chance.
Glad the OP and dog are ok, but I would think you should consider is your dog more important than your kids (if you have any) and wife being without a dad/husband?

In a rough swell off a beach- if a dog is struggling so will you. Sadly if it was the sea or iced-lake etc NOT a chance. I'd like to say I would for another human but Ive never been tested. So who knows?

Edit. Just seen binners post ^ +1

This is from me- If youve ever ridden with me I stop to stroke EVERY dog that we pass.

The owner of the Woodbine cafe warned me about stroking her (?) dog. It came and leant/sat against my leg 'oh hes never done that before'.

Sorry, harsh but binners +1, 000

+ 1 Binners. Brilliant responses, mate!

I completely understand where binners is coming from but as someone who's always had and been around dogs it's hard to say whether I could just let it go. One of them things where you don't know what you'd do til the situation actually arises.