Shropshire park warden wades in to save dog from river
This is the moment a plucky park warden braved a cold river to rescue a dog that had become stuck in deep water.
The chocolate brown labrador, called Evien, had got in to difficulties after going for a swim in the River Tern at Attingham Park.
She discovered she was unable to scale the steep riverbanks and, after spending 20 minutes in cold water, was becoming more and more exhausted with each moment that passed.
Meanwhile, on the river bank, her elderly owners were growing steadily more upset until help arrived in the guise of estate worker Joy Margerum.
She was gently lowered in to the river, while being securely attached to a rope, grabbed the tired dog and was hauled back on to dry land.
David Haden, who was visiting the National Trust property on the outskirts of Shrewsbury with friends and family from Australia on Wednesday, said: "I was with my family, who are visiting from Australia when we came across two very upset ladies walking their dogs.
"One of the dogs, a nine-year-old chocolate brown labrador called Evie, was in the River Tern down a very steep bank and it was obvious she could not get back up.
"She had been in the water for twenty minutes and was showing much distress and the owner was deeply concerned.
"We called the park for help on a mobile and the park warden Joy came to the rescue.
"With the help of the bystanders she lowered herself down into the river on a strong rope and she was hauled up with Evie and the episode had a very happy ending for both owner and Evie.
"We were all very relieved with the outcome. A big thank you Joy for her help and bravery. "
Shropshire Fire and Rescue were called to the river rescue at just before 4pm but found that the dog was back on dry land when they arrived.
A Shropshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "At 3.37pm on Wednesday Fire Control received calls reporting a water rescue in Shrewsbury.
"Fire appliances from Shrewsbury were mobilised, with the first appliance arriving on the scene at Attingham Park.
"Appliances and the boat from Shrewsbury, one appliance from Baschurch and an operational officer were mobilised to reports of a dog in the river. The dog was rescued prior to fire service arrival."
Mark Agnew, general manager at Attingham Park, said: "Joy did a superb job of rescuing the dog from the River Tern. We were lucky that due to the lower river level of late that she was able to safely do the job without having to calling the emergency services. "
Are you Evie's owner? If so contact newsdesk on 01952 242424.
