Friday

Heidi, a German shepherd from Australia, is being praised after she helped save her owner’s life when his boat sank.

On Thursday morning, police officers in Moreton Bay, Australia, were notified about a situation by a fisherman, who had spotted Heidi swimming in the bay next to a tackle box, a wetsuit, and more items that appeared to be from a boat that had gotten into trouble, according to a news release from the Queensland Police.

Heidi was quickly pulled out of the water and taken to a veterinarian for a check-up, while Brisbane Water Police initiated a rescue operation for her owner.

The pup’s owner, a 63-year-old man, was found “clinging” to a boat in Moreton Bay just hours later, according to the release. The man reportedly told police that the boat lost power on Wednesday evening and had filled up with water.

Heidi, who was found to be uninjured by the vet, had “amazingly” been treading water for about eleven hours while she waited for help, police said. Her owner was transported to a local hospital but had no serious injuries.

While she waited for her owner to return from the hospital, Heidi enjoyed some food and rest at the police department — and was even named an honorary police dog.


“We would take this opportunity to remind boaties to plan for the worst when they’re out on the water,” Senior Sergeant Jay Bairstow of the Brisbane Water Police said, according to the release. “Always wear [a] personal flotation device and ensure that your safety equipment [is] tested and in good order.”

He added: “Thankfully there was a happy ending to this search and Heidi was able to be our honorary PD for the day.”



Responses to "German Shepherd treads water for 11 hours to save her human after boat sinks"

  1. Unknown says:

    When help is needed in minutes, German Shepherds are with you in SECONDS, and stay with you for HOURS or DAYS, YEARS!

  2. Unknown says:

    dogs are the best

  3. Unknown says:

    always loyal

  4. Pattie says:

    Just amazing and so touching.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Joel, it doesnt quite say she saved him, but that she treads water to save him. Meaning it was her intention, not her accomplishment.

  6. Gina says:

    When I was 5 i had a GS and I wondered off down by the railroad tracks and a hail storm came. Pepper clamped on to my dress and led me back home.

  7. Unknown says:

    PLEASE if you take a dog out on a boat, be sure to put a life preserer on the dog!!!

  8. Morgana says:

    My sweet angel baby

  9. Unknown says:

    Yes, If you take your 'best friend' in a boat, please give him/her a life jacket. This GS was lucky to survive and possibly saving her master because her swimming around the kit gave the searchers the 'beacon' as to where this humans could be. Yet, we are so cruel, we 'put them down' without any mercy or try to save.

  10. Animals are always amazing especially dogs

  11. woofwooflovewoofwoof

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