A Florida woman was out on a walk with her two dogs, Zoey and Monkey, when she fell and dropped the leashes. The dogs took off, and the woman called out for help because she couldn't find them.
Sheriff's office body camera footage then caught the moment a Pinellas County deputy heard barking and spotted the two dogs at the bottom of a seawall.
Here's what to know
Body camera footage shows the deputy calling out for Zoey and Monkey and realizing their barking was coming from below. The search led to an area near Joe's Creek behind a locked business, where the dogs were trapped below a seawall and could not climb out, according to WFLA.
From there, reaching them was not simple. The sheriff's office said he struggled to get across to the side of the water where the dogs were.
But the effort ended with Zoey and Monkey safely rescued and back with their owner.
More background
Seawalls, drainage areas, and waterways can be especially difficult for animals to escape once they slip or wander into them, particularly when the terrain is steep or enclosed.
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Deputies and other first responders are often called not only for crimes or traffic incidents, but also for emergencies involving lost or endangered animals.
In many Florida communities, developed areas and waterways sit side by side. Animals can move quickly from sidewalks and roads into places owners may not be able to access safely on their own.
What can be done?
A stumble, a dropped leash, or a startled dog can create a serious problem within seconds, especially near water, retaining walls, or fenced commercial properties.
Secure harnesses, checked leash clips, and up-to-date ID tags or microchips can help prevent escapes or identify a dog that gets loose.
If a pet ends up trapped near water or in another hazardous space, trying to climb down or cross a difficult area alone can put both the owner and the animal at greater risk. Local authorities or animal services may be the safest option.
Where can I learn more?
Stories like these show how fast an everyday outing can turn into an animal rescue, especially around water, drains, and other hard-to-reach spots. They also highlight the role deputies and rescue crews can play when getting to an animal safely is more than an owner or bystander can manage alone.
• At the Essex County Sheriff's Department, a dangerous predicament forced rescuers into a difficult woodchuck save.
• In Bonita Springs, deputies found disoriented baby sea turtles trapped inside a storm drain.
• At Navarre Beach Pier, responders carefully managed a sea turtle rescue as a crowd looked on.
• A wildlife rescue team rushed to an injured seal pup tangled in ghost gear.
Each case is a reminder that familiar places can become dangerous for animals without much warning. Quick action from trained responders is often what helps bring those situations to a safe end.
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