A six-month-old puppy, recently adopted by his new family in training as a seizure service dog, had been walking on the Upper West Side on Saturday, when he became startled as someone approached him too quickly. The 50-pound Leonberger and Bernese mix wiggled out of his loose fitting collar and fled as fast as he could.
According to the Upperwestside.com, Bear ran for more than 30 blocks along the bike trail near the water, when at 110th Street he jumped into the river and started to doggy paddle. A bystander spotted the dog as the pooch swam towards New Jersey, but later lost sight of him. The Good Samaritan called 911, and patrol boats were dispatched to the area, but there were no sightings of the pup.
The family was heartbroken. Bear had been helping Ellen Wolpin’s 20 year-old developmentally disabled son, Zack. Sadly, the family thought they had lost their wonderful puppy in the water, but then it would seem – a miracle occurred!
On Monday morning, Ellen received a call from the Edgewater Police Department. They had Bear!
Thanks to the incredible Edgewater Fire Company #1, Bear was found under a pier at Independence Harbor before dawn. Shortly after, Bear was reunited with his family. Zack, who repeatedly had been asking for Bear gave his puppy a heartwarming hug stated his mom.
First thing Tuesday morning, Ellen purchased a well-fitting harness for Bear. After his veterinarian checkup – and can you believe this pup who ran over a mile and swam nearly a mile – received a clean bill of health.
It will be a very happy holiday for the family including of course Bear. He did receive lots of treats, but not before he had a good bath! Welcome home Bear.
(Photos via Edgewater FC#1 and Upper Westside.com)
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