Heart-stopping rescue mission after dog becomes stuck under bridge
A bridge inspector conducting routine checks has performed an impromptu rescue of a dog that somehow became trapped on a metal beam.
Ryan Nataluk was working on the Natchez-Vidalia Bridge, which connects US states Louisiana and Mississippi, on Sunday (local time) when he received a call for help, CNN reported.
His boss contacted him via radio and requested he take a closer look at what appeared to be a dog, sitting in a most unfortunate position under the busy highway and 37 metres above water.
It was unknown exactly how the female pup ended up under the bridge, but there’s no doubt her luck changed dramatically when Mr Nataluk arrived to help.
Not only has he got 23 years of experience in climbing bridges, he frequently goes camping and rock climbing with his own dog, so knew exactly how to holster the pup out of danger.
Heartbreaking note reveals why dog was tied to a tree and abandoned
Little girl 'completely scalped' in dog attack by friend's new pet
“I go camping and climbing all over with my family and dog. I’ve had to bring my own dog across rivers and even haul him up peaks and over time I’ve figured out how to make makeshift harnesses,” Mr Nataluk told the publication.
He said she was initially hesitant when she saw him approaching, but it didn’t take long before she was comfortable enough for Mr Nataluk to slip a makeshift harness onto her.
Using a piece of cord tied into loops, he was able to secure the pup and pull her out of harm’s way.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time! Our bridge inspection crew was working over the Mississippi River this weekend when bridge inspector Craig Jenkins noticed a stranded dog beneath the bridge deck, 120ft above the river. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/ix8nTYo34q
— Stantec (@Stantec) September 22, 2020
Once planting the dog’s feet back on solid ground, Mr Nataluk said she was instantly relieved.
“When we got her up there she just started walking immediately and wagging her tail. You could tell she was really happy,” he said.
The company executing the inspection, Stantec, shared footage and photos of the heartwarming rescue mission to Twitter, saying Mr Nataluk’s effort was proof that “not all heroes wear capes”.
A later update said the company had received news from the police station that the pup was adopted by a local resident not long after the rescue.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
