When we find ourselves in a difficult situation we always hope that there will be somebody there to care for us. It seems as if this is also true in the animal kingdom.
A Tampa police officer was on the scene of a rescue operation and was able to capture a picture that has gone viral. It was a heartwarming moment that took place between animals and let’s just say it’s not something you see every day.
There was a dog trapped in Tampa, Florida on the Hillsboro River. It was reported by individuals living in Seminole Heights after they heard a strange noise coming from the area.
After looking into the sound further, they found that there was a dog that was stuck in the water and struggling to climb out of the river at the walls. Police were able to respond quickly after 911 was called and they started working their way to the area.
Randy Lopez, a 30-year Marine Patrol Unit veteran was there to set up the equipment while Jodie Maxim, another officer was there and was taking pictures.
They knew that they were catching an interesting situation in the pictures but they had no idea just how interesting it would prove to be. The photos show the white dog hanging onto the walls of the river and there is a Manatee that seems to be guarding the animal.
After the picture was posted to the Tampa Police Department’s Facebook page, many agreed that there was something watching over the dog at that time. One person even said: “Angels come in all sizes and shapes.”
Officer Lopez feels that the cries of the dog may have attracted the manatee’s attention. They are known to be curious, which is why this manatee may have been hanging out even as the rescuers were making a lot of commotion.
An extension ladder was used and it was lowered down in the river to grab the dog. All in all, the rescue operation only took about 20 minutes.
The area where the dog was stuck is known to be a place where manatees tend to gather. It is designated as a no-wake zone.
Ronesha Keaton, the owner of the dog heard the commotion and then realized that her dog was missing. It had escaped from the yard but was able to be returned unharmed, aside from some sore paws from trying to climb over the river wall.
You can read the post from the police department below:
