WEST NEWBURY — The reign of Duke, a golden Labrador, will likely continue for years to come after a local police officer rescued him from drowning in the Merrimack River yesterday morning.
The dog, about 5 years old, was one of many being walked by Jennifer Johnson of West Newbury along a nature trail off River Road when it decided to dip into the Merrimack River for a swim. Due to a fast moving current and high tide, the canine drifted about 30 feet from shore before grabbing on to a rope swing with its teeth.
Concerned for the dog’s safety, Johnson called police. Officer Michael Dwyer responded to the scene and attempted to dislodge the dog from the rope using a Frisbee like disc attached to a long rope. After several attempts Dwyer was able to hit Duke in the head with the disc prompting Duke to let go of the rope swing. Once dislodged from the rope, it didn’t take Dwyer long to drag Duke back to shore.
“He wouldn’t let go for the world,” a soaked Dwyer said minutes afterwards.
Dwyer estimated Duke was in the water for about 30 minutes before being pulled out. Following his rescue, Duke, seemingly none the worse for wear, rejoined his fellow dogs and raced towards a reporter walking along the trail. As a precaution, Johnson brought Duke to a nearby veterinarian for a check-up, according to Dwyer.
Maine police searching for truck linked to missing teen
Progress in negotiations between UMass Memorial, Mass. Nurses Association
Worcester’s most recent fire academy recruits reflect on the job
Lottery fever in Mass., across New England
Brockton, Mass. murder suspect connected to state drug lab scandal
Bombing suspect met with former Chechen rebel before attacks
Dead bombing suspect met with former Chechen rebel before attacks
Worcester, Mass. family's ice cream stand re-opens after fire
Labor dispute continues between UMass and Mass. nurses
Authorities: No evidence of threat to water supply at Quabbin Reservoir
Brockton, Mass. murder trial underway for alleged white supremacist
Search continues for missing Maine teen
New development in Boston Marathon bombing investigation
Norden: 'I don't understand how somebody could do that to all those innocent people'
Saturday Powerball jackpot up to $475 million
Suspect in Brown University assault case appears before judge
Conn. man to face charges of assaulting Brown University student
Powerball jackpot: How Mass. residents would spend it
Conn. man to face court, charged with assaulting Brown University student
Security concerns raised after Quabbin Reservoir incident
