Trending
Loyal german shepherd treads water for 11 hours straight to save owner from drowning
Kirsten Spruch
08.05.20

Dogs are known to be some of the most loyal animals out there, and there is good reason for that. They really are the definition of unconditional love. Even if you’re mad at them or if you do something to make them mad at you (like give them a bath or make them eat bland food), they will always have so much love for you.

This German Shepherd, named Heidi, in Australia proved just how loyal dogs could be when his owner was faced with a shocking, near-death experience.

Queensland Police News
Source:
Queensland Police News

The Queensland Police reported that a man, 63, went overboard in the early morning at Moreton Bay.

Around 6am, a fisherman nearby noticed Heidi swimming in the water along with several other floating items including a tackle box, wetsuit, and fuel tank.

Pexels
Source:
Pexels

As soon as this was spotted, Heidi was quickly rescued, pulled out of the water, and taken to the veterinarian for a check-up to see if she was okay. While this was happening, a rescue operation took place for her owner.

“Brisbane Water Police were notified of the discovery and quickly swung into action, initiating a rescue operation around 7.25am involving a the Rescue 500 helicopter, four police vessels, Marine Safety Queensland jet ski, Volunteer Marine Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue,” the police reported.

Queensland Police News
Source:
Queensland Police News

It turned out that her owner had been treading water for 15 hours.

Hours after discovering Heidi, he was finally found clinging to the side of a boat. Apparently, the boat had lost power and filled with water the day before they were found.

Pexels
Source:
Pexels

“Amazingly, Heidi had been treading water for around 11 hours while her owner drifted in Moreton Bay for nearly 15 hours. The skipper was transported to hospital but was thankfully not seriously injured,” the police department reported.

Facebook
Source:
Facebook

Luckily, for Heidi, once she was taken in she was treated to some much-needed food and rest at the police department.

“We would take this opportunity to remind boaties to plan for the worst when they’re out on the water,” Senior Sergeant Jay Bairstow of the Brisbane Water Police said. “Always wear [a] personal flotation device and ensure that your safety equipment [is] tested and in good order.”

“Thankfully there was a happy ending to this search and Heidi was able to be our honorary PD for the day,” Bairstow added.

Pexels
Source:
Pexels

If this isn’t the definition of loyalty and unconditional love, we’re not quite sure what is. The fact that the incredible Heidi had not only the strength but the willpower to tread the water for 11 hours is beyond insane.

Facebook
Source:
Facebook

And her 63-year-old owner is sure one lucky man because if Heidi wasn’t seen initially, who knows what would have happened. The cops only knew to look for him because they found his pup first.

It’s truly a brain-buster to think about what could have happened but we are just so happy that, despite some serious physical struggles, everyone is safe and sound.

This is definitely a great reminder to test out all of your safety equipment and wear floaties when going into the water.

Life is unpredictable!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Article Sources:
To learn more read our Editorial Standards.
Advertisement