Pets

Entangled Dog Rescued From River's Edge

First responders described it as a “dangerous situation” that turned into a “heartwarming reunion.”

A runaway dog in Florida was rescued by first responders from a precarious situation after it had become stranded next to a river with its leash and collar tangled up in a tree.

On social media, Sumter County Fire & EMS described it as a “dangerous situation” that turned into a “heartwarming reunion.” They said that multiple calls had come in from worried boaters who spotted the dog "tangled in a tree, trapped by its collar and leash, unable to free itself from the water's edge."

The dog, later identified by its owner as “Blackie,” was impossible to reach via land, so firefighters and animal control officers used two watercraft to conduct the rescue. They were able to free Blackie from the tree and conduct the poor dog to safety.

After the dog was scanned for a microchip, his owner was contacted, and arrived quickly for what first responders called “an emotional reunion.” Even though Blackie had been missing for a week, the dog was, luckily, unharmed.

Senior writer Chris DeWeese edits Morning Brief, The Weather Channel’s weekday newsletter.