A rescue dog lived up to its name in Cobourg on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
Cobourg fire fighters were dispatched to the bottom of Hibernia Street after reports of a small dog by the lighthouse at the end of the west pier at approximately 4:45 p.m.
People sitting by the boat launch watching the waterfowl with binoculars noticed the dog by the lighthouse and reported it.
Firefighters Jack Dillon and Nigel Hall wearing PFD’s (personal flotation devices) walked out to the dog that seemed hesitant to approach it’s would be rescuers.
Fire fighters walked around the lighthouse for a short time trying to capture the dog but it got scared and fell into the water between the boulders.
At that time, fire fighters had to move quick.
Though the waves weren’t high, fire fighters said the dog was getting buffeted around.
“We couldn’t see him for a little bit. We knew he was down there and having a tough time staying above the water,” said Hall.
“He managed to sneak under some rocks and I scared him one way and my partner (Dillon) was able to grab him.”
“We had to move fast, but managed to grab a hold of him.”
“It was a bit concerning – he was getting pretty cold.”
Firefighters climbed the boulders back trading off the pooch at certain times – all the while keeping the dog close to them.
On shore a by-law officer was waiting with a cage and another person passed off a blanket to keep the dog warm.
Karen Histed got the Shih-Poo rescue dog named Fria (Scandinavian for Goddess of love and war) only yesterday. Fria bolted from her home yesterday and Histe posted it on Facebook.
“As soon as I put it on Facebook the community just went insane to help me. It’s quite the community,” said Histe who is new to the town.
A friend of hers named Lisa kept her calm throughout the hours Fria was missting.
Histed is very grateful to the fire fighters and community for searching, finding and rescuing her dog.
Hall said Fria was shivering the whole way back to shore,” but he didn’t bite us – so that’s a bonus.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
