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One dog’s brush with death turned into an unforgettable tale of loyalty, instinct, and a heroic rescue, thanks to his devoted furry sibling. This incredible story unfolded in the Isle of Man, a picturesque island between England and Ireland, where one determined Newfoundland refused to let his Golden Retriever brother become another tragic statistic.
It all started in March when a passerby noticed a frantic black Newfoundland pacing beside the Douglas Inner Harbor. With no owner in sight, the massive dog was clearly in distress, desperately trying to get someone’s attention. Sensing something was wrong, the good Samaritan followed, and what they discovered was heart-stopping. Just beyond the harbor’s edge, a struggling Golden Retriever was fighting to stay afloat, moments from disaster.
This story grabbed the attention of die-hard dog lovers worldwide. So, let’s find out more about what went down that fateful day.
Why Newfoundlands Are Born For Water Rescues
Before I dive into this incredibly heartwarming story, let’s learn more about the star of this show, the Newfoundland breed. Newfoundlands aren’t just big, fluffy giants; they’re built for saving lives. With massive webbed paws, thick water-resistant coats, and incredible strength, these dogs are natural-born swimmers who can power through rough waters with ease. Their instinct for rescue runs deep. They’ve been used for centuries to pull drowning sailors and stranded swimmers to safety.
Unlike most breeds, Newfoundlands have a unique swimming style. Instead of doggy paddling, they use a breaststroke-like motion, making them more efficient in the water. Watch this short video showcasing their super swimming talents.
Their calm, gentle demeanor allows them to stay focused in high-stress situations. They’re even trained in lifeguard work in some countries. When a Newfoundland sees someone in distress, their natural instinct kicks in, and they’ll do whatever it takes to bring them to shore. It’s no surprise that this heroic breed played a key role in this rescue story; saving lives is simply in their DNA.
Other Top 5 Water Dogs: Natural-Born Swimmers & Rescuers
While Newfoundlands are legendary in the water, they’re not the only breed with a natural talent for swimming and rescue. Several other dogs take part in aquatic work, excelling in everything from retrieving game to saving lives. In no particular order, here are the best swimming dog breeds.
- Labrador Retriever. Labs are one of the most popular water-loving breeds. Originally bred to retrieve fishing nets and game, their webbed feet, strong legs, and love for water make them excellent swimmers. Thanks to their intelligence and fearless attitude, they often take part in search-and-rescue missions.
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever. The tough, powerful Chesapeake was developed to retrieve waterfowl in the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Their thick, oily coat keeps them warm and dry while their unmatched determination helps them power through strong currents.
- Standard Poodle. Despite their fancy reputation, Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers in Germany. Their curly coats provide insulation, and their intelligence and athleticism make them strong, capable swimmers.
- Portuguese Water Dog. These curly-coated swimmers were bred to help fishermen in Portugal retrieve lost tackle, herd fish into nets, and even deliver messages between boats. The Portuguese Water Dog‘s stamina and agility make them one of the best water-working breeds.
- Spanish Water Dog. Another former fisherman’s assistant, the Spanish Water Dog is known for their endurance and adaptability in both water and land work. Their waterproof coat and agile body help them move effortlessly through the water.
These breeds share key traits, such as webbed paws, water-resistant coats, and a fearless love for swimming. These traits make them some of the best water dogs in the world. Whether retrieving, rescuing, or simply enjoying a day at the lake, they’re happiest when they’re in their element and making a splash.
Heroic Newfoundland Dog Alerts Good Samaritan To Drowning Retriever In Dramatic Harbor Rescue
It started as an ordinary day, but within moments, it turned into a desperate fight for survival. Get ready for the dramatic, real-life rescue that will leave you in awe.
Douglas Coastguard had a hectic day with three emergency calls. But the first one was nothing short of a life-or-death drama. Around 8:30 AM, a passerby at the Tongue in Douglas Inner Harbor noticed something unusual. In the water, a massive black Newfoundland dog, alone and frantic, was doing everything he could to get someone’s attention. The dog whined, paced, and wouldn’t leave the man alone. Then, the reason for his distress became horrifyingly clear.
Just beyond the harbor’s edge, a Golden Retriever was caught in the rushing water. He was struggling against the current and on the verge of disappearing beneath the surface. The Newfoundland hadn’t just been panicking; he was begging for help.
Realizing the urgency, the good Samaritan wasted no time. He immediately called the Coastguard, but knowing every second counted, he took action himself. Climbing onto a boat in the harbor, he reached out and managed to grab the Retriever just as the exhausted dog began slipping under. The current was strong, and the Retriever was moments away from being swept away forever.
A Heart-Stopping Rescue With A Happy Ending
Douglas Coastguard teams arrived swiftly after receiving the call from the Marine Operations Centre, securing the Retriever and ensuring both dogs were safe. Once onshore, the Newfoundland, who refused to leave his struggling friend’s side, was finally reunited with him at the Coastguard station.
Authorities worked to locate the dogs’ owner, but one thing was clear. Without the Newfoundland’s unwavering loyalty and the bystander’s quick instincts, this story could have ended in tragedy. A huge thank you to the brave member of the public whose immediate action saved a life that day. One very lucky dog is still here because of him and his heroic Newfoundland brother.
The rescue team concluded in its Facebook post, “We would like to thank the member of the public for his swift action which undoubtedly saved the life of 1 very lucky dog.” A Facebook post by the Douglas Coastguard Rescue Team reveals the details.
Related Stories: Unbelievable Acts Of Canine Heroism & Hope
Who doesn’t love a story that tugs at the heartstrings and reminds us why dogs are truly man’s best friend? From daring rescues to tales of unwavering loyalty, our four-legged companions never fail to amaze us. Get ready to be inspired, amazed, and maybe even shed a tear as you dive into these incredible stories of love, bravery, and second chances.
During the pandemic, when the world felt like it was crumbling, dogs stepped up in extraordinary ways. They saved lives, provided comfort, and proved that their devotion knows no bounds. Head to our article about rescue tales during the pandemic.
And then there’s Britain’s loneliest dog, a sweet soul who has spent far too long waiting for a forever home. Despite being ignored time and time again, he hadn’t given up hope, proving that resilience isn’t just a human trait. Was his patience finally rewarded with a family to call his own? Find out more in our covering story about Britain’s loneliest dog.
We also have a story about one of Canine Journal’s very own dogs. Emma, a writer for Canine Journal, was once a Police Officer. Her split-second decision changed her dog’s life forever. After his owner was arrested and taken into custody, he was left abandoned on the streets, confused and alone. With no one to care for him, his future looked bleak until Emma stepped in. Find out more about how this desperate act of kindness saved her dog’s life in our article “Abandoned After Arrest: This Dog Lost Everything – Until a Cop Changed His Fate“.
How To Keep Dogs Safe In The Water & Have Fun
Even the strongest swimmers can run into trouble in the water, so taking precautions is crucial to keeping your dog safe. Always supervise your pup around water, whether it’s a lake, river, pool, or ocean. Currents, waves, and exhaustion can put them at risk. If your dog loves swimming, consider a dog life jacket, especially for breeds that aren’t natural swimmers or when venturing into deep or rough waters. Be mindful of cold temperatures and blue-green algae, both of which can be dangerous, even for experienced water-loving dogs. Finally, invest in a dog tennis ball that floats on water so your pup can splash and play about. By taking these steps, you can ensure your pup enjoys the water safely and stress-free.
Do you have an amazing dog story to share? Let us know in our comments.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
This story caught our attention at Canine Journal because we’re suckers for a feel-good tale of canines and dog lovers who never fail to impress us. Sally has over 20 years of experience in human health sciences communications, including 10 years as an expert on pet health conditions and treatment. She’s part of a team of dedicated canine professionals and long-time dog owners at Canine Journal. Not only do we cover heartwarming stories, but we also test and research the best pet products, not only for our own pups but for all of our readers.
