Jay Council worked for the North Carolina city of Winston-Salem. On a daily basis, his job was to keep a watch on Lake Salem. He never expected, however, that saving a dog’s life would be part of his job description. He knew he had to intervene when he noticed a little white puppy fighting to stay afloat in the middle of Lake Salem.
Jay was going about his business when he overheard an unusual request for help. He was informed by one of the visitors that there was a dog in the lake around 300 feet from the pier’s end.
The unfortunate dog swam 600 feet from the shore, despite the fact that the Salem Lake Pier was already about 300 feet long! Furthermore, the temperature at that time was 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The poor creature was probably shivering.
No one knew how the dog had gotten so far out or how long he’d been there, but it was clear that he needed to be rescued. Jay had three dogs at home, so he was well aware of the importance of animals. So without hesitation, he hopped into a boat and paddled out to save the little puppy.
As Jay approached the dog, he noticed how exhausted it was. Its back legs had ceased paddling and were now only just floating behind him. The dog tried everything he could to keep paddling with just his front legs. Its head was barely visible above the water’s surface.
To reach the canine, Jay utilized a long net. He grabbed the dog and put him into the boat and went back to shore. If the dog had stayed out much longer, he might not have survived.
While they awaited assistance, a kind woman lent the cold dog her jacket. The dog was given some treats and water by Jay in the hopes of making him feel better.
Stepping Stones Canine Rescue, a good organization, was entrusted with the canine. He didn’t have a chip and wasn’t neutered, so he’d never had a home before. He was then placed right in a loving foster home and given the name Neptune, after the Greek sea god.
Neptune immediately went to the vet, and he appeared to be in fine health. He was apprehensive and timid at first, but he warmed up to the rescue team over time. His foster parents tried all in their power to make him feel special.
Source: Stepping Stones Canine Rescue
