A dog has once again proven to be man’s best friend. Harry Smith, 81, was walking his dog near a lake in Port St. Lucie, Florida, while using an electric wheelchair. His wheelchair suddenly lost traction, and he slid and flipped into the water.
As Smith, who couldn’t swim and was trying to remain afloat, began yelling for help, his nine-year-old Beagle mix Sarah realized something was wrong.
He told WPTV, ‘I tried to back around to get out of it, but it went straight back and right down the embankment, dumping me right in the water.’
In a Facebook post, the local police department noted, ‘Sensing his owner was in difficulty, his dog began to bark loudly, alerting two spectators across the street.’
‘Bystanders raced to the lake and signaled PSLPD Officer Doty, who was driving down Airoso Blvd. Officer Doty got out of his patrol car and saw Mr. Smith buried in the water up to his neck.
Officer Doty and the two bystanders worked to pull him out of the water and up the bank. Mr. Smith was treated on the scene and was able to return home. Officer Doty and the St.
Lucie County Fire District assisted him by pushing him back to his house after his electric wheelchair was broken by falling in the water.
We are grateful for Mr. Smith’s dog and the two passers-by who assisted in saving his life!’
Edward Suhling and Aby ‘Jacob’ Chacko were quick to notice when Sarah growled loudly. Suhling, 58, told the TCPalm that the dog was splashing in the water.
‘So we both ran over here, and I jumped in the water, and my friend grabbed his arms, and I grabbed his legs, and we pulled him up onto the shore.’
Chacko, 49, went on to say that he was able to summon Officer Adam Doty for assistance at the moment.
It was a terrifying scenario for Smith, who stated he couldn’t have gotten out on his own. ‘My legs aren’t working,’ he explained.
‘I’m not able to push.’ The good samaritans, however, were able to see Smith and give assistance right away because to his great dog. ‘The dog was a true hero,’ said Suhling.
‘She’s a wonderful dog. Everyone in the neighborhood adores her and keeps an eye out for her ‘Smith stated his opinion.
Smith said, smiling, ‘I gave her a goodie.’ ‘I’ve always loved her, and I always will.’