Bad Time for a Swim!

By Amy Fernandez

It’s been a tricky week here in New York. Our predicted 12-18 inch snowstorm morphed into a monster blizzard topping out at 15-34 inches of fun -depending where you live. Officially, it was a tenth of an inch shy of the city’s all time record snowfall of 26.9. For dog people, that qualifies as a very lucky break. Because if you recall, that record breaking storm that buried the Northeast, crippled transportation, and knocked out power in 14 states also coincided perfectly with Westminster 2006.

Of course, that is not much consolation to anyone currently digging out of this mess. Winter weather complicates everything – especially where dogs are concerned. Bound Brook, New Jersey resident Buck Clarke learned that the hard way last Friday while taking his sister’s dog out for a mid-day walk.  Clarke let him off lead for a little run on the canal path and the dog revised the game plan. He spotted a flock of Canadian geese cruising around the Raritan Canal and, predictably, he charged.  Clarke responded with that perennial fatal mistake that has spelled tragedy for countless dog owners. As he carefully inched his way onto the fragile ice to save the dog, it gave way.  The dog got out, Clarke didn’t.  However, this loyal dog reacted in true Lassie style. Within minutes his non-stop frantic barking caught the attention of a nearby resident who called 911. Clarke was losing consciousness and facing a quick demise from hypothermia in the frigid water when a police rescue diver arrived on the scene. He is expected to make a full recovery, but may think twice before letting that dog off lead next time.

Hopefully all this winter excitement will be ancient history by the time Westminster Week kicks off.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Jan 27 2016. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.