Neighbors, firefighters team up to rescue dogs from Cape Coral canal

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Cape Coral firefighters saved two large dogs from a canal on Tuesday.

The dogs were stuck in the water along Southeast 16th Terrace, between Country Club Boulevard and Southeast 10th Avenue.

"When we showed up, we had two bigger dogs underneath a dock, and they were clearly tired and scared," said Lt. Eric Garber, with Cape Coral Fire Department.

Lieutenant Eric Garber helped rescue the dogs. The team used a "Catch pole" to safely pull both out of the canal.

"We put that around the chest of the dog, and that helps lift. Luckily, on scene, there was some rope and we were able to lift them above the sea wall, which was about five feet tall," said Garber.

Neighbors along the canal also helped. Kevin Calderone saw the two dogs struggling in the water. He gave fire crews a plywood board, which they used to lift the dogs.

"They were able to slide the dogs up the plywood instead of having to pull it straight up," said Calderone.

Cape Coral has more than 400 miles of canals, and according to the Cape Coral Fire Department, they respond to at least two animal rescue calls from those canals every month.

"It's important for you to call us, that way we can get in route. We don't want anybody else jumping into the canal, getting hurt, and possibly drowning themselves, "said Garber.

The department also advises pet owners to microchip their pets, so officials can find them more easily.

Both dogs are safe and are still in the care of Lee County Domestic Animal Services. The registered owner has been notified.

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