Would you risk your own life to save your pet?.

[margaret*e]

Sadly a man died trying to save his dog in the sea a couple of days ago.

One of the rescuers said he had been called to a situation likethis many times, and as in this case the dog made it's on way out, and the owners die.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-29321904

[saasher2012]

It's a difficult one this Marg*e, very often the dogs can save themselves ,
Everyone knows it's not sensible to go in the sea especially if you can't swim, but faced with it sense takes a back seat!.
So I can only say this, your sense says no, but your heart very often overrules it.
How many people have drowned trying to save not just pets but humans as well& it doesn't have to be someone they know either!.

[lambsy_uk]

Very sad and tragic.

Don't have time for pets myself so I've not got any emotional attachment to this, so basically no; I wouldn't risk my life for one.

I'd give my life for my children which also leads to the fact that my children would be distraught if they lost me; therefore it would never be worth risking my own life for that of a pet. You always needs to think of the effect it would have on others should anything happen to you; you owe it to them to look after yourself! My girls could get over losing Fluffy to the see but they'd never get over losing their Dad.

If one is alone in the World and the pet is their sole companion then perhaps things would be different.

[evoman3957]

Although Dogs have become domesticated, it shouldn't be forgotten they they originated as creatures of the Wild. As such, a lot of the traits / abilities required to survive in the Wild; have been retained in their DNA. One of these is the ability to swim and swim well, because of their make up; they may not look as graceful in the Water as some other Creatures do ( including some Humans ).........indeed sometimes they may look as if they are struggling or are not at ease. However, from an endurance point of view, they will outlast / outswim most Human Beings. I've had dogs most of My life and I know, only too well, how attached most Dog owners become to their Pets......many think they are better than a lot of Human Beings and looking around at he World, I would find it difficult to argue against that. However, they stand more chance of saving YOU from drowning; than you do of saving THEM..........so don't underestimate them.

[upthecreekyetagain]

In the cold light of day and thinking calmly and logically then, no I wouldn't risk my life for any of my pets.

On the other hand I have been injured and knocked out when trying to care for and protect our horses - once being trampled as I prevented them from escaping onto a busy road - in hindsight something I shouldn't have attempted.

Many years ago one of our horses had a stroke and fell down the steep bank into the river - keeping its head above water whilst waiting for the fire brigade to arrive was extremely dangerous and foolish but at the time the only thought was to prevent him from drowning.

[saasher2012]

Yes ! My point exactly, less than a year ago , after some silly person cut down a fence of a neighbours horse pasture, I went to help round them up before they got on the road, I also went to the front to turn them back, luckily for me they stopped had they not I would have been in deep doo doo. It's ok saying I wouldn't but if & when things happen it's another matter!.

[lambsy_uk]

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@evoman3957 wrote:

Although Dogs have become domesticated, it shouldn't be forgotten they they originated as creatures of the Wild. As such, a lot of the traits / abilities required to survive in the Wild; have been retained in their DNA. One of these is the ability to swim and swim well, because of their make up; they may not look as graceful in the Water as some other Creatures do ( including some Humans ).........indeed sometimes they may look as if they are struggling or are not at ease. However, from an endurance point of view, they will outlast / outswim most Human Beings. I've had dogs most of My life and I know, only too well, how attached most Dog owners become to their Pets......many think they are better than a lot of Human Beings and looking around at he World, I would find it difficult to argue against that. However, they stand more chance of saving YOU from drowning; than you do of saving THEM..........so don't underestimate them.

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You only have to watch any Lassie film to know this!

[ed_blackadder_1]

I think most of us would say no we wouldn't however in the cold light of day you only think for a split second and instinct kicks in. My OH jumped into a river when our dog went in and couldnt get out. And she was heading for a tunnel. He managed to save her and his life wasn't really at risk as the water wasn't flowing that fast but it could have been. It frightened me to death. This was about 20 years ago when he was in the TA and very fit. I doubt if he would have come out unscathed now. However I am certain he would do it again. Probably not in the sea though.

[saasher2012]

lol. I believe at least one breed of dog has been trained specifically for this purpose, I'm sorry I can't remember the name of the breed.
That there lassie was infact a dog , but hey who cares!. lol.

[evoman3957]

Not all Dogs can use a Word processor to write a thesis on Astro Physics..................I was talking about your AVERAGE Dog..........Innit!!

[bankhaunter]

When it comes to the moment, the only thought in the person's mind is to try and save the animal, or person if it comes to it, personal safety is not considered.

Unfortunately very often going into the water is not the best thing to do.

[lambsy_uk]

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@bankhaunter wrote:

When it comes to the moment, the only thought in the person's mind is to try and save the animal, or person if it comes to it, personal safety is not considered.

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Well I'm trained to consider personal safety if aiding humans so I'm certainly going to consider it before aiding a pet!

[rose2008-2008]

I always think you dont know what is going to kick in in your brain when faced with a dangerous or risky moment!!!. Its right in that moment of time when you would do whats needed. I think a lot of animals and pets i know that!!.

[bankhaunter]

Well I'm trained to consider personal safety if aiding humans so I'm certainly going to consider it before aiding a pet!

That's the difference awareness makes.

I fish and I've done a lot of boating which makes me aware that if a person falls in the water, jumping in to rescue them is almost certainly not the best thing to do.

I also know that the sea can be dangerous and should always be treated with caution, the beach may well not be the best place to take a dog.

[lambsy_uk]

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@bankhaunter wrote:

Well I'm trained to consider personal safety if aiding humans so I'm certainly going to consider it before aiding a pet!

That's the difference awareness makes.

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I have you right there.

[saasher2012]

The average person is not trained , & clearly in this case logic wasn't present either as the guy couldn't even swim, I'm afraid panic & adrenaline were the only things this poor guy was acting on& it happens time & time again!. A very sad & tragic story & so avoidable .

[y-gafr-wen]

like bank, i  too, am trained to consider personal safety (first aid stuff )....but.......my dog is my friend and there logic ends. she would help me and i would help her.

my flipping labrador can outswim me any day................i'm just careful where this water lover goes in.

might seem strange to non dog people but thtat's what happens to us.............illogical though it may be.

sorry, no caps.............key won't work.

[merehazle]

On the other hand you may know Sam that the wonderful Newfoundland is particularly famous for saving humans. And so many other dogs have rescued people too. Well if anyone knows the true love and loyalty a dog can bring such an incident would mean MOST would try. I had a incident when our dog fell through ice, and seeing his head disappear nothing in the world would have stopped me saving him. It was not brave by me, and it was not that difficult...It was basic instinct! I could not have lived with myself had I not. And a risk is a risk after all. 

    

Newfoundland sea rescue dog.

[saasher2012]

Thanks for the information on the Newfoundland I was sure there was a dog that's love of water made it a prime candidate for this job!.
yes I agree on what you say that we would go all out to save our pets, on the other hand I also agree with what the other poster said about a child losing his father,
I still feel that emotions run high when put in this position & sense goes out of the window, either way we have a wife & child left grieving for a father & a dog safe& sound! Not a happy situation really is it?.

[y-gafr-wen]

love and loyalty !

says it all.

the answer to the question has got to be a yes.

might sound doolally to many but many will understand.    off to take fido out now and not near the river........too cold for swimming.lol !