A happy reunion between an owner and her dog took place yesterday afternoon when Cochrane Fire Services successfully conducted a Bow River rescue.

Around 3 p.m., Cochrane Fire Services deployed their water rescue boat to recover the dog after it was swept downstream from the off-leash park by the Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge.

Fire Inspector Jeff Avery says they located the dog on a small island just below Gleneagles. The dog was a bit skittish when approached, so they returned to the island with the owner.

"We loaded them back up into the boat and took them to shore safely," says Avery. "There's a really good ending to this one. The owner and the dog weren't hurt, and they ended up having a good day afterward."

Avery says dogs are naturally good swimmers, but they can get caught in the current, making it difficult for them to navigate their way to shore. Fortunately, he was able to make it onto the island. 

Capt. Martin Reuter was in charge of the crew responding to the rescue.

Avery says Fire Services conducts a few rescues on the Bow each year. He says whether it's your children or your pets, it's wise to keep them out of the river.

"The river is really high, and a lot of people don't think that current is a strong as it is, so they'll throw a stick into the river for their dog to go get. Dogs are naturally good swimmers, but when that current catches them, they can be swept away in a hurry."