Watching as a beloved dog is swept out to sea is heart-wrenching. Doing nothing seems unthinkable. But experts say that is exactly what a dog owner should do: nothing.
“The human-animal bond is no joke. Most pet owners are very attached to their pets,” veterinarian Lynn Miller told the San Francisco Chronicle. “But you’re not going to save your dog by risking your own life. It does your dog no favors in the end if he comes back and you’re dead. Then what is he going to do?”
Five people have died in attempted dog rescues in Northern California since November, said Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Pamela Boehland, based in Alameda, Calif.
One good piece of reasoning offered: the average dog is a better swimmer than the average human.
