SHEFFIELD LAKE, Ohio (WOIO) – A Sheffield Lake firefighter rescued a dog that fell over a cliff into Lake Erie after witnesses called 911 for help.
Firefighter Dan Forror used a jet ski to reach Drax, who was trapped along the rocky shoreline.
A Sheffield Lake firefighter rescued a dog that fell over a cliff into Lake Erie after witnesses called 911 for help.(WOIO)
The dog had retreated into a cave after the fall.
“It was scared. You could tell. It was growling at me,” Forror said.
Sheffield Lake Fire Department officials assessed the situation and decided jet skis were the best plan for the rescue.
Forror put on an ice suit and after about 40 minutes he was able to reach the frightened dog.
“I did have to jump out maybe shin deep level water …I had to stabilize the jet ski because it wanted to float away,” he said.
Forror crouched down to gain the dog’s trust before bringing him to safety.
“I was able to get a rope around him and coax him out. I picked him up from there and set him on the jet ski and we had a nice ride back,” Forror said.
Fire Chief Dave Novak said the dog was exhausted from the ordeal.
“He didn’t have much fight in him because he was cold wet and tired,” Novak said.
Firefighters gave Drax a bath and fed him at the station. They placed him in the back of their trucks with heat and a blanket while putting away equipment.
“We contacted the Lorain County Dog Kennel and they came out and picked up the dog,” Novak said.
Both firefighters credited neighbors for making the rescue possible by calling for help.
“I think if we had not gotten to Drax that night it would have been a worse outcome,” Forror said.
“Regardless if it is two legs or four legged, a save is a save,” Novak said.
Drax will be available for adoption on January 6 at the Lorain County Dog Kennel if no owner claims him.
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