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Friday, August 28, 2009

Video shows nail-biter dog rescue in Schuylkill

WPVI-TV cameras captured the gripping rescue of a dog that tumbled over a dam on the Schuylkill by the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

As employees of the Waterworks Restaurant and passerbys looked on in horror, the black dog struggled for 40 minutes against the whitewater at the base of the falls before she floated free and the Philadelphia Police Marine Unit arrived to scoop her out.

But the drama wasn't over yet. The video shows an officer pumping frantically on the exhausted dog's chest for several minutes before giving the "ok" sign.

The dog, a 1 1/2 year-old female pit bull, is being called "River" by her caretakers at the Pennsylvania SPCA where she is in intensive care and being treated for hypothermia and severely injured paws. But veterinarians are "cautiously optimistic" she will survive, said spokeswoman Gail Luciani. 

River is in pain from injuries to her nails as she tried to climb up the dam, said Luciani.

The dog had no tags and scars on her face, leading PSPCA officials to believe she was a victim of dog fighting and may have been thrown in the river.

Luciani said they hope to find her a home soon. Already at least one employee of the Waterworks Restaurant has inquired about her, she said.

 
Posted by Amy Worden @ 6:43 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
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About Amy Worden
Amy Worden is a politics and government reporter for the Inquirer. In that capacity she has explored a range of animal issues from dog kennel law improvements and horse slaughter to the comeback of peregrine falcons and pigeon hunts. From hamsters to horses, animals have always been part of her life. To pass along a tip or contact Amy, click here.
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