A missing dog survived a terrifying ordeal in San Francisco Bay, battling rough waters and a flock of attacking seagulls before firefighters pulled off a dramatic rescue.
The small pup was found struggling in the marsh near Cooley Landing Park in East Palo Alto on Thursday, nearly two weeks after vanishing on the Fourth of July.
The East Palo Alto Police Department captured the wild rescue on camera, joking that “the cat in the tree had the day off.”
“Tiny dog escapes marsh, survives aerial assault by an organized gang of seagulls, and is rescued by the Menlo Park Fire Department,” police added in a Facebook post. 12/10 action movie.’”
The saga began when a witness spotted the dog running into the water and swimming away from shore, prompting a 911 call.
Officers responded at 3:26 p.m., and crews from the Menlo Park Fire Protection District began their search.
Firefighters used binoculars to spot the canine before using a drone to pinpoint its location.
Aerial footage showed the exhausted pup paddling through the water while seagulls swooped down overhead.
The dog had managed to swim about half a mile out into the Bay before rescuers reached it.
A crew aboard Menlo Fire’s Airboat 77 was shown snatching the pup from the water before wrapping it in a firefighter’s coat.
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After bringing the pup back to shore, rescuers examined it and found an open wound on its left cheek from a seagull strike.
The dog was then taken into the care of animal control and later transferred to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, where staff were able to identify the owners and reunite them with the missing pet.
The rescue was a team effort involving the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, East Palo Alto Police Department, Redwood City Fire Department and the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA.
The unusual survival story left Facebook users amazed.
“That doggo is amazing,” one wrote.
“Those seagulls thought they had dinner on the run,” another added.
“Now this is what I want my tax dollars going towards. Great job!” a third chimed in.
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