Gus, the spaniel, plucked to safety by firefighters (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Firefighters rescue spaniel who fell 20ft into a lock

10:03am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News By Barbara Jordan

A BALL game ended in drama for an energetic dog.

Gus the spaniel dived into the water and fell 20 feet into a lock at Spike Island in Widnes.

He was left clinging to the bottom rung of a ladder, attached to the lock wall.

His owner, Gary O’Hare said: “One minute Gus wa chasing a ball, the next he had disappeared into the lock.

“I did the only thing I could think of at the time, which was to call the fire and rescue service.”

Firefighters set up a safety line and climbed down a ladder using specialist height safety equipment.

Gus was rescued and carried to safety by a firefighter.

Gary added: “The firefighters arrived very quickly and were ver professional. I am so thankful to them for rescuing Gus so swiftly.”

Station manager Sean Henshaw, who attended the rescue, said: “We’re delighted that we were able to rescue Gus, who, thankfully, appears to have suffered no ill effects from his ordeal.

“We understand that it is really difficult when a pet goes into the water but we would never advise people to attempt a rescue themselves as it is far too easy to get into difficulties.

“We’d also advise keeping dogs on leads close to water.”