Desperate to help, they tried to rescue the frightened animals, but the dogs panicked and swam further away.
With no way to save them alone, the kind-hearted passerby called the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for help.
Rescue mission
Deputies Wells, Chang, and Lincoln, along with an officer from Fresno Humane Animal Services, rushed to the scene near McKinley and Viau Avenue, close to Sanger.
For nearly 45 minutes, the dogs struggled in the water before finally reaching a small landing inside the canal. But they were still trapped, unable to climb out.
Team work
With their Search and Rescue (SAR) training, Wells and Chang quickly devised a plan. Wells entered the water while Chang and some bystanders secured ropes. Working together, they carefully attached the ropes to the exhausted dogs and hauled them to safety.
The sheriff’s office has not said how the animals ended up in the canal, but thanks to the swift response of deputies and concerned citizens, both dogs survived the ordeal unharmed.
Phew!
