A relaxing visit to the lake became an intense day for a family in Florida.
On Sunday, Deltona, Florida, resident Leslie Acosta and her family were at a local lake when she spotted a tired-looking dog swimming by itself in the middle of the lake. She told Fox 35 Orlando that she and her family immediately sprung into action to rescue the pup.
“It was exhilarating and exciting,” Acosta told the outlet. “I mean, yeah, we got some action on a Sunday. We got to do a little Baywatch rescue mission.”
The hero of the rescue was Irving Colon, who drove out a jon boat — typically used for fishing — to where the dog was swimming after attempts to reach the canine with a canoe failed.
“I have a dog, so I definitely wouldn’t want that to happen to my dog,” Colon told Fox 35. “And if anybody would see my dog or any dog, I am hoping they would do the same thing.”
Acosta, Colon, and their crew of animal rescuers later learned the dog was named Dax, and he was missing from his home. The 5-year-old shepherd/Lab mix had escaped from his owners 12 hours prior and somehow ended up in the middle of the lake. Dax’s family explained to Fox 35 that their fence had broken, and “Dax’s adventurous spirit got the better of him.”
“Luckily for our family, there were people kind enough to go above and beyond in assisting his return home,” the dog’s owners added. “We’re incredibly grateful for the individuals who pulled him out of the lake! Not to mention the extra time they put in afterward to care for him.”
Dax returned home uninjured, aside from some soreness, from his lake escapade. His family said that Dax is in good spirits, and they are, too, thanks to the kind actions of the dog’s rescuers.
“Having Dax back means more than they could know,” said the family. “We’re blessed to be surrounded by such a phenomenal community.”
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