JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 9-month-old Toy Poodle named “Gorgeous” was reunited with her owner after a frightening accidental plunge into the St. Johns River.
Khayla Waters was taking Gorgeous on a stroll across the Main Street Bridge when the dog got scared, broke loose and fell off the bridge.
Waters immediately ran to get help as the currents in the St. Johns River pulled Gorgeous further and further away.
Chief Meteorologist Richard Nunn said the currents are strong around the pilings and create eddy currents, which are circular in the water.
The dog was trying to stay afloat when a group on the St. Johns River Taxi saw the dog struggling in the water.
Watch the rescue endeavors below:
"Oh my gosh, I think there’s a dog, and he’s just not a dolphin,” someone said on the boat.
Rachel Landin was filming for a real estate group on the water taxi.
“He was just swimming for dear life,” Landin said. “Omg, how is this dog surviving out here?”
In shock, the boat turned to rescue the stranded pup.
“We’re holding him. We’re trying to figure out where is his owner. Or where did he come from?” another boater said.
Moments later the taxi got a call from Waters, and Gorgeous and her family were reunited.
Waters said Gorgeous was taken to the vet and is OK.
Waters offered this advice so other pet owners can avoid the ordeal she experienced:
“If your dog is scared of loud noises, just take them walking elsewhere.”
Landin is thankful to know that she could help.
“We were feeling like we were definitely at the right place at the right time and that we were there to rescue him because he would not have made it if we weren’t there,” Landin said.