A dog named Diesel from Massachusetts is hailed as a hero. Recently, he was enjoying a leisurely walk at the Quarter Mile Pond together with Thomas Walsh, his owner, when the five-year-old canine saw a man in the pond, seemingly struggling. He was quick to his senses and alerted his owner to the situation of the man who needed rescue.
In an interview with Boston 25 News, Walsh said that he was wearing headphones during their walk. And he would never have seen or heard the man struggling inside the water had it not been for Diesel. He said that his pet quickly alerted him about what was going on.
When they spotted the victim in the pond, Walsh contacted 911 and attempted to help the 22-year-old who was already splashing helplessly in the water. Walsh provided the man with some instructions on how he could find his way safely back into the bank as they waited for help to arrive.
Walsh said he told him to try relaxing and catching his breath, as he was already in a state of panic. Initially, his instincts prompted him to go in and help, as he was a great swimmer but had apprehensions as it was wintertime. Boston 25 News reported that another person appeared soon enough to lend the victim a hand, as he kept falling through the ice as he was making his way towards the shore.
Walsh tied Diesel to a tree, where he grabbed a big branch so they could throw it to the victim. However, he was already too weak to hold on to it but managed to use his other hand to grab the branch so they could drag him from the water and back to safety on the shore.
Not long after, the first respondents arrived on the scene to take the young man to be treated for all his injuries at the hospital, which were, thankfully, non-threatening.
In a statement, Chief Grafton from the Stoneham Fire Department said they are grateful for the outcome, and of course, to Diesel for alerting his human companion about the situation. He added that the two rescuers did the right thing by immediately calling 911 and using an alternative rescue method through the branch’s use to help the young man, rather than attempting to jump into the water themselves. The Chief said that their actions helped save another person’s life, and their deeds are nothing short of heroic.
However, according to Walsh, the real hero is none other than Diesel himself.
And we couldn’t agree with him more! Good job, Diesel! You’re (literally) a lifesaver!
Source: Stoneham Fire Department / Facebook
