JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A dog that jumped from the top of the Mathews Bridge Saturday was rescued by a good Samaritan and is now in the care of the Jacksonville Humane Society.
Just one day after News4Jax reported on the daredevil pup's near-death experience, the owners contacted the JHS. They said their dog Jane went missing the night before she was found on the bridge.
"It's not often you read a story of someone going off a bridge and surviving, so for a tiny dog to make that leap and make it through is really an amazing story," said Lindsay Layendecker, JHS development manager.
Michelle Munley rescued the dog after its near-death experience.
Munley and her family were traveling east on Arlington Expressway in Jacksonville when she spotted a small dog on the sidewalk at the foot of the bridge. Munley exited her car and attempted to catch the dog.
"She was driving up the Mathews Bridge and saw this little brown furry ball and told her husband, 'Stop! I have to rescue the dog,'" Layendecker told News4Jax.
The dog became scared and ran up the sidewalk, nearing the top of the bridge. Several others stopped to assist. When the dog was almost at the peak of the bridge, an unknown person reached to grab it when suddenly the dog turned and leaped more than 150 feet off the bridge into the St. Johns River.
Munley frantically signaled a boater, who saw the dog and rescued her from the water.
Munley then left the bridge and met the boat at a nearby marina to retrieve the scared, tiny dog.
"In all my years of animal welfare, I don't know if I've seen or heard anything this unbelievable. But it's really just a testament to how compassionate the community is," Layendecker said.
The dog was taken to a clinic for a quick checkup and was deemed stable. Munley and her family named the little dog “Bridgette” in honor of her adventure and provided her a loving, temporary home to recuperate after the ordeal.
“Bridgette’s rescue is an amazing testament to the compassion in our community,” said Denise Deisler, JHS executive director.
Now, after becoming a local TV star, Jane will will return home to her family.
If you are interested in helping the Jacksonville Human Society or to make a donation call 904-493-4566.