NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Firefighters came to the rescue of a dog struggling to get out of a canal in Northwest Miami-Dade.
One-year-old Dirt Dirt is back home Friday, one day after the scary swim.
Niyah, the playful dog’s owner, shared what happened in the moments leading up to the frightening moments in the water.
“We were just on Amazon because the temps are getting high outside and stuff. We were looking for a dog fan, and then, like, for a cooling mat for him, but I guess he wanted to cool off himself,” she said.
Dirt Dirt, a German shepherd-Rottweiler mix, somehow ended up in the canal, located near Northwest 12th Court and Little River Drive, Thursday afternoon.
Niyah said she has no idea how the dog got out in the first place.
“We really want to know that, honestly. Like, we keep looking, like, we don;t know what’s happening,” she said.
Neighbors spotted the canine in distress and recorded cellphone video to show Niyah’s mother what was going on.
Unable to get Dirt Dirt out of the water, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue was called in.
MDFR’s Engine 7 crews arrived at the scene at around 2:45 p.m.
Upon arrival, crews found Dirt Dirt trapped in the canal located behind a home.
Firefighters wasted no time and immediately took action to save the stranded dog.
Pictures shared by MDFR show firefighters after they placed a roof ladder inside the canal, providing a safe route for the dog to climb out.
Video captured the dog with his paws in the dirt, appearing to be happy to be out of harm’s way.
The stranded pooch was skillfully secured and brought back to shore. Moments later, the dog was reunited with its grateful owners.
Dirt Dirt’s family is thankful he’s OK.
“I want to say thank you, ’cause he’s not easy, like, at all to work with,” said Niyah.
Niyah said she and her family will be taking precautions to make sure Dirt Dirt doesn’t end up in the canal ever again.
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