There is nothing quite like having a dog in your life. From the moment that they enter into our home, they become a member of the family. We will spend years getting to know them on a very personal level.
One of the most difficult things about having a dog in the family is that they have a short lifespan. Even though we are growing old slowly, they grow old, become seniors and experience various health challenges in a short time.
Mark and Emma Cowing experienced this with their 12-year-old border collie, named Fly. He was getting old and was blind due to cataracts but he still loved to be out on an adventure.
Fly was taken to the beach by the couple and they were having fun at the seashore. Suddenly, however, things took a turn for the worse.
Mark said that Fly was playing in the sand near the edge of the water. Suddenly, a large wave came up and swept the dog out to sea.
Posted by Emma Allum Cowing on Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Fly tried his best to swim back to shore but Mark knew he needed help.
“When he got 20 or 30 feet out I had to strip off, down to my underpants, and go and rescue him,” Mark said. “He disappeared out of sight so I presumed he drowned.”
Suddenly, Mark was unable to help because the current grew stronger. It nearly pulled him under! “I tried to wave for help but I thought I was a goner,” he recalled.
Fortunately, a man who had a kayak was close enough that he could rush over and pull Mark from the water. He was now safely headed back to the beach.
Posted by Emma Allum Cowing on Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Mark was not about to give up on his faithful dog. He called the Coast Guard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. He didn’t have a lot of hope but they started their search.
Posted by Emma Allum Cowing on Tuesday, August 28, 2018
The Coast Guard was able to spot Fly. He was a half mile from shore and they reported the location to the RNLI boat. They were able to rush over and save the dog.
Posted by Emma Allum Cowing on Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Mark was overcome with joy when his beloved dog was back on dry land again.
“I was in tears when I saw him, he’s my boy. I just felt a complete and utter idiot for what I did.”
Posted by Emma Allum Cowing on Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Fly was able to keep his head above water and his family is so happy he is now safe. He even fed him his favorite meal after he took a nap. “When we got back to the caravan he had four packets of dinner and a pork pie and went to sleep,” Mark said.