There is a good reason why dogs are recognized as the most loyal of all animals. Dogs are the true definition of absolute love that knows no boundaries. They will love you even when you wrong them or make them angry or when you’re the one who’s irritated by them.
Proof of dog loyalty
Heidi, a German Shepherd, proved the extent of dogs’ loyalty when he saved his owner from an experience that left him almost dead.
A report from the Queensland Police indicates that in the early morning hours, a 63-year-old man at Moreton Bay went overboard.
A neighboring fisherman saw Heidi in the water swimming at around 6 a.m. He also noticed that there were other items that were floating alongside her. These items included a wetsuit, fuel tank, and tackle box.
A rescue operation for the drowning dog owner
Heidi was rescued swiftly when the incident was noticed. She was taken out of the water and driven to a veterinarian. An immediate check-up was conducted to ensure that she was fine.
As Heidi was being taken care of, a rescue operation was also ongoing for her owner.
According to the police report, a rescue operation was quickly initiated by Brisbane Water Police at around 7:25 a.m. when they received a notification about the finding. The operation involved four police vessels, the Rescue 500 helicopter, Marine Safety Queensland jet ski, and Volunteer Marine Coast Guard and Marine Rescue.
The owner is rescued hours later
The rescue team found out that Heidi’s owner had been treading water for close to 15 hours.
He was found hours after Heidi was rescued, clinging to the side of his boat. It suddenly lost power, filling with water the previous day before their rescue.
While her owner was wandering in Moreton Bay for almost 15 hours, Heidi had trodden the water for about 11 hours. The police reported that he was taken to hospital. Luckily, he did not have any serious injury.
Heidi was fed and rested at the police department.
Brisbane Water Police took the opportunity to remind boaties to ensure that they plan for worst-case scenarios when out in the water.
“Wear a floating device at all times,” said Senior Sergent Jay Bairstow. “Also ensure that you have tested your safety equipment and it is in good condition.”
“In this case, we’re grateful the ending was a happy one. Heidi successfully managed to be today’s Brisbane Water Police’s honorary PD,” he concluded.
Conclusion
Heidi’s action is, without doubt, a true definition of not just loyalty but also unconditional love. She showed both strength and willpower by treading the water for up to 11 hours to save her owner.
Indeed, her owner is lucky and blessed to have her. It’s unthinkable what could have happened had the fisherman not spotted Heidi. The police only went out to look for him because Heidi was found.
While we are happy that Heidi emerged as the day’s hero, this is a significant reminder that you should wear floaties and test your safety equipment before venturing into the waters.