Sumter County Fire & EMS and Animal Services joined last week for the moving rescue of a terrified dog entangled by its necklace and strap along the Withlacoochee River.
On March 2, multiple calls were received from navigators interested in the Wildlife Handling Area Jumper Creek about a tangled dog in a tree. The dog had been fighting to free himself, but things seemed to have worsened.
The animal control officer, Amber Capps, arrived at the Road 413 county boat ramp at Lake Panasoffkee, where he met one of the worried citizens. Recognizing the difficult terrain, Aco Nicole Gravatt came to help. After he failed multiple attempts to reach the dog called Blackie by land, it was clear that the only way to save it was in boat.
SCAS requested support from the Sumter County Fire & EMS, and responded with two vessels. Lieutenant Justin Courtright and the Firefighter, Gannon Cruz, launched their boats and transported to Rob Caps and Gravatt to the Location of Blackie.
The team released him from the tangled strap, assured him safely and transported him back to the staging area.
Blackie was a lucky puppy. He had been missing for a week, and because he had a microchip, his family could be located.
Without a doubt, Blackie was a happy dog when she met with her grateful family.
This rescue highlights the dedication, skill and teamwork of SCAS and Scfems to serve and protect the community, whether human or animal. His rapid actions not only saved Blackie’s life, but also gathered a lost pet with his family.
Do not hesitate to go through the Facebook page for Sumter County Animal Services Thank you with an “Attaboy”.
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook to obtain the latest news related to animals.
