In Newport Bridge, Middlesbrough, England, an injured senior dog is saved from drowning by a seal.
On the evening of June 18, a courts warrants officer named Chris Hinds and his son Raymond were out walking their two dogs along the banks of the river Tees. Hinds noticed a German shepherd labrador mix dog who was injured hanging around the edge of the river. Chris, his son, and their dogs approached the dog, but it became anxious and dove into the river.
The tide quickly swept the dog too far out for Hinds to attempt a rescue. Chris instructed his eighteen-year-old son to call the police and the RSPCA. Raymond, Chris’ son, ran a mile back home to call for help.
Chris kept watch of the struggling dog. He could hear the dog yelping when all of a sudden a seal came up out of the water and started circling the drowning dog. The seal then used its nose to push the dog from behind to safety. The seal got the Labrador to the shore, and then two additional seals popped up out of the water, and all three kept watch over the dog. Hinds was in shock over the rescue.
Hinds thought for sure the dog would perish in the water. He was too far out, and he was injured. He didn’t think the police would arrive in time. No one could have predicted a seal would appear and save the dog!
The fire crew arrived and helped the dog. The RSPCA brought it into their facility where it was examined and given medical attention. The vet guessed the dog to be about ten years old. The RSPCA gave the dog the name “Seamo,” named after an England goalie, David Seaman.
Seamo was kept at the RSPCA Great Ayton Animal Centre in Cleveland until they could locate its owner.