Dog Jumps Into River And Rescues Baby Otter From Drowning

Dog Jumps Into River And Rescues Baby Otter From Drowning

A Goldendoodle named Gus has earned praises as a hero after jumping into a freezing river to save a struggling baby otter from drowning.

According to a post shared by the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC) of Minnesota on Facebook, Gus was out at the St. Croix River when he spotted the tiny otter. The otter, which was supposed to be in the den with his mom, would not have survived if Gus had not reached out to help.

Gus, a three-legged dog who recently survived cancer, jumped into the water, scooped the otter, and swam to shore.

His dad, Cleo Young, was shocked to see Gus swim, as he thought he could not do so due to his cancer. Young was not sure Gus had enough strength to swim because his back right leg had been amputated due to tumors.

The WCR accepted the otter into their rehabilitation program after Gus saved him. Initially, the otter was unresponsive after the rescue. “We were quite concerned the first 36 hours – he was cold to the touch at admit and we didn’t know if he’d aspirated water, which could result in pneumonia. The otter turned the corner the other day and is doing well,” The WCR wrote on Facebook.

Image Credit: Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota

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