As heavy rain poured over Camarillo, California, a crew from Ventura County Public Works was monitoring a flooding canal when something unusual caught their eye.
Amid the rushing water, they noticed a small figure — a terrified little dog curled up on a patch of grass, surrounded by rising water.
Realizing the danger she was in, the crew immediately sprang into action. They called Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS), who quickly arrived on the scene.
But rescuers soon discovered a problem — the frightened pup was trapped 10 feet down, far beyond their reach.
That’s when the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) was called in to assist.
“While waiting for VCFD, the dog stayed curled up in one spot, shivering and looking around occasionally,” said Jules Hooper, marketing specialist at VCAS. “When the rescue swimmer first got close, she was a little nervous and started to swim away — luckily, he was able to reach her, and once she realized he was there to help, she came toward him to be carried to safety!”
Using a ladder, ropes, and their swift-water rescue team, firefighters carefully made their way into the canal. Moments later, the pup was safe — shivering but alive — in the arms of her rescuer.
Within 20 minutes, she was wrapped in warm towels at the Camarillo Shelter, where staff checked her temperature and gave her a cozy blanket to rest on.
“Luckily, our sweet damsel in distress — who appears to be a 3-year-old French bulldog or pug mix — was shivering but otherwise unharmed,” Hooper said.
The little dog wasn’t microchipped, and rescuers are still hoping to reunite her with her family. If no one comes forward, she’ll be available for adoption starting Saturday, October 18th.
After surviving such a terrifying ordeal, this brave pup deserves nothing less than a loving forever home — one far away from flooding canals and full of warmth, safety, and second chances.
