BULLIES come in all ages

BULLIES come in all ages
(click to see movie trailer)

Surround yourself with positive people,
energy, and situations;
always avoid negativity.

~~~~~~~~~~

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
So, love the people who treat you right.

Forgive, and then forget about the ones who don't.


Saturday, January 23, 2010

A True Hero

Dog Bites Firefighter In LA River Rescue

United States (California) - A German shepherd hoisted to safety from the storm-swollen Los Angeles river Friday is fine, authorities said, but the firefighter who splashed down in the daring helicopter rescue was hospitalized after being bitten by the dog.

Joe St. Georges, a 25-year department veteran, suffered severe hand and arm injuries but was in good condition at County USC Medical Center Friday, said Los Angeles fire Capt. Steve Ruda.
"He has significant injuries, bites and punctures, to his hand and arm and is being seen by a specialist," Ruda said.

The dog, nicknamed Vernon after the Southern California town where he was found, did not have a name tag or computer chip, said Sgt. Charles Miller of the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority in Downey.
The dog was quarantined to be monitored for rabies, but "appears to be well-maintained and cared for," Miller said.

At least 50 firefighters responded to reports that the dog was in the river. For an hour, firefighters stood at the top of the steep, concrete banks, throwing life vest and float rings, hoping the dog would grab on. Most of the time, the canine walked along a pipe or ledge in the center of the river, sometimes slipping. One firefighter got into the river and tried to catch him, but the dog took off. Soon the pipe was submerged.

When the helicopter hovered overhead, the dog scrambled to the side of the river and tried to climb the sides, only to slip each time.
The 50-year-old St. Georges finally splashed down from the helicopter, wrestled with the frightened canine and lifted it to safety.

At a late afternoon news conference, helicopter pilot Scott Bowman said St. Georges took a muzzle with him but he wasn't able to get it on, "so he decided to go for the capture."
Miller said the dog had some scrapes and worn nails, but was otherwise fine.
"He was fearful when he first got here, understandably. He went through a big ordeal," Miller said.

The dog will be quarantined for 10 days, unless the owner shows up with proof of rabies vaccination, Miller said. Then, the dog could be monitored at home. If the owner doesn't show up, officials will try to find the dog a new home.
Storms that started Monday have already dropped up to 8 inches of rain in Los Angeles County, the National Weather Service reported.
(Associated Press)


Happy Trails,

21 comments:

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

We are so happy that the pup is safe. We hope it finds a great forever home too..

Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Anonymous said...

As of last night, the fireman is in the hosp with severe dog bites and the dog has many offers for a new home. The news showed the dog at the animal shelter and it is a beautiful, beautiful dog! I think the fireman will be okay, the dog was scared and attacked him as he tried to hold him.

Liz

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We watched the rescue live on TV yesterday - it was amazing. That firefighter was very brave and must have a real love for animals. We say him today and he seemed to understand the reason the dog bit him was fear. He had a great attitude about the whole thing. He IS a hero.

Woos, Phantom and Thunder

Unknown said...

Awesome video! Happy ending! Thank for sharing.

Andrea said...

GOD bless the fire fighter who did NOT let go, despite the dogs fear. That is who I want coming to save me!

Andrea

♥I am Holly♥ said...

I saw that on TV last night and as usual, burst into tears. How brave of the firefighters and all that helped rescue the dog. The dog looked beautiful. I sure hope the firefighter is okay from the bites. God Bless him and all that were there to rescue him from the waters. They are heros.

Ina in Alaska said...

I saw that on the national news on Friday night! What a great story that the Fire Dept went out of their way to help this lucky dog! I hope he finds his way home or into a great new home!

Thanks for the award, Kit!!! xoxo

Smushie Ranch said...

Unbelievable! That dog could have been easily left in the water to die, but thanks to the kind hearts and brave fireman he's safe and will probably end up with a wonderful home. Thanks for sharing Ms. K.

Shannon

Remington said...

I feel bad the firefighter got biten but if I were that dog I probably would of been so scared I would of done the same thing. I hope someone takes him home and loves him forever....

Amber and Nala said...

I just saw this on the morning news....the guy even endured some bites from the scared dog but didn't seem to mind...what a hero!

Nala & Amber

How Sam Sees It said...

I am always glad to see they take the time to rescue the dogs. It was probably very scary for the dog, and he bit the fireman out of fear rather then defensiveness. I had to give Sam a hug, though, thankful that he is home and safe with us.

Sam

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I just found your blog, and wanted to let you know that I hsbr really enjoyed my visit!! You have some great pictures, quotes, videos, etc!
I was glad to hear that the fire-fighter (who was on the Today show this morning) who rescued the dog only had an injury to his thumb--He understood perfectly about how frightened the dog was--I'm hopeful the dog will be okay and find his way home, or to a new forever one!
We lived in Alaska for 10 years and just loved it!!

Unknown said...

Thank you! Watching this once wasn't enough. As we were watching it yesterday with my momma, she said she wished she could have been that fireman. She loves a good thrill. I just suggested she throws me in the river, just to make me famous, even if I have to be renamed afterwards. She told me I was being ridiculous and to be quiet. What's up with that?
Twink!

JacksDad said...

You aren't allowed to make me cry this early in the morning!

Anonymous said...

Just goes to show you that kindness and caring are alive and well in mankind!

Byron said...

That makes my heart smile.
Thanks for sharing.

Bobby said...

Thank you for dropping by, How brave is that fire fighter, we all know how scary it must be for the dog but also for the fire fighter facing a snarling biting big dog. Great he was rescued, and glad the fire fighter is okay

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

We followed this Friday afternoon as one of Mom's SiberianListieThings cirkhulated the story -

Akhtually, one of the members is in Alaska but her daughter from Khalifurnia let her know about it so we khould get the SibeVibes going fur him -

We are so happy he was reskhued and we know he was just skhared and used the bite in defense -

The pikhs on the website show what a handsome fella he is -

Tank woo fur sharing it here!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra & Khousin Merdie

Dexter said...

Oh I almost could not bear to watch that movie it was so scary.

My Uncle is a volunteer fire fighter and he has many stories about going into houses to rescue cats and dogs. They are such kind hearted and brave humans.

Slobbers,
Mango

D.K. Wall said...

We had heard about the story, but had not seen it . Firefighters are the greatest and we salute this firefighter for his bravery and for sticking with it despite the bites.

animal lover, quilt lover said...

That poor dog was scared out of his mind!!!! He/she had no idea what was going on!!!
I feel sorry for the man and we all thank him for getting bit. I don't blame the dog.
Do you??
Fern