County police rescue dog from floodwaters

KSDK -- Three St. Louis County policemen rescued a dog from rising floodwaters late Sunday afternoon in Cliff Cave Park.

According to Officer Rick Eckhard, a spokesman for the St. Louis County Police Department, the incident took place around 6:30 p.m.

Officers Kevin Martin, Jared Ruhland and Sergeant Daniel O'Neil responded to the park after hearing a woman crying out for help. She told police her border collie "Murphy" broke off its leash to chase two deer into the woods. The woman had gone searching for the dog but could not find it.

The woman voiced concerns about the nearby flooding Mississippi River. The officers searched the woods and heard the dog whimpering and whining on a dry spot in the river, approximately one mile away from its owner. The dog was frightened and could not cross more than 40 yards of fast moving water.

Officer Martin and Sergeant O'Neil waded into the water up to their necks to get the dog while Officer Ruhland held a light and guided them. Police fed the dog a sandwich to gain the animal's trust, and were able to carry Murphy back to shore safely. The dog was taken to a veterinarian as a precautionary measure.