NORTH BAY VILLAGE, FLA. (WSVN) - A young woman literally jumped into action to rescue an old dog from drowning in the strong currents of a North Bay Village waterway.
The incident unfolded on Harbor Island, near the 7000 block of West Drive, Wednesday morning.
Liza Watson, who lives in a condominium on the island, said she was in her balcony when she heard the yelps of a dog struggling in the strong currents of Biscayne Bay.
When asked whether she knew the dog or where he came from, she replied, “No, not at all, just heard the barking and came to help.”
Watson said she quickly grabbed her keys and rushed downstairs. She said she saw the canine shortly after and dove into the water.
“I met the water, where the tide would be taking it, and found the dog and followed the dog’s screaming, so eventually I could catch up and we could get it out of the water,” she said.
Watson said there was one thought running through her mind as she swam to the dog’s aid.
“‘We’ve got to help the do, get it out of the water.’ Absolutely,'” she said.
When asked at what point she actually jumped in and started swimming, Watson said, “Immediately.”
A witness called 911, which led to North Bay Village Police to arrive at the scene. An officer, along with another good Samaritan, joined Watson in the water to help her and the dog out of the bay.
Despite some cuts and scrapes, Watson and the dog came out of the water safely. An emotional reunion was caught on camera when the dog’s owner arrived and found her pooch.
“Is this your dog? Oh, my God,” said Watson.
“Thank you so much,” said the dog’s owner.
“Oh, my God, look at him. He is the cutest baby in the world,” said Watson.
The dog’s owner was incredibly grateful for the actions of everyone involved and happy her dog could go home safely.
“He deserves an extra big snack,” said Watson.
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