A miniature poodle that fell into a freezing North Carolina river was saved by a kind stranger who didn’t hesitate to help. The tiny dog, named Riu, had somehow slipped into the French Broad River and was struggling to stay afloat in the “turbulent currents,” according to a Facebook post from the Asheville Humane Society.
Two women saw the dog in danger and immediately called Asheville Animal Services. Fearing the pooch wouldn’t survive if they waited for authorities, one of the women dove in to rescue the dog herself. She saved him and after a full medical evaluation, animal shelter staff gave Riu a clean bill of health and placed him with a foster home.
“It had stormed the previous day, so the river level was high with powerful currents. The water was freezing,” explains Asheville Animal Control Officer Becky Doty, who responded to the scene. “He was very lucky.” She and animal shelter volunteers say the pup is doing well, all thanks to the anonymous woman they’re calling a hero.
Source: Inside Edition