Woman's river ordeal to save dog

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A woman has survived after jumping into the River Stour to rescue her dog, just weeks after another woman died in the same Dorset river rescuing her pet.

A man found the 25-year-old woman, from Muscliffe, Bournemouth, clinging onto the river bank at Northbourne.

She had dived in and saved the spaniel while out walking on Friday.

Caroline Peck died trying to rescue her dog at Blandford, 14 miles further along the river on 10 December. Her golden labrador climbed out safely.

Thankfully the lady was shaken but otherwise unharmed but it could have ended in another tragedy Richard ChaveDorset Fire and Rescue

In the latest rescue, the woman managed to hoist her dog, Riley, onto the bank but then was unable to get out herself.

Fortunately, a passer-by saw her go into the river and came across to help, using a discarded length of pipe for her to grab.

Richard Chave, from Dorset Fire and Rescue, said: "She was stuck in the mud and undergrowth about waist deep and was unable to get out - the river was very cold and swollen and would easily have carried her away.

"Sadly, this does happen quite often and a lady lost her life in a very similar situation just a few weeks ago trying to rescue her dog.

"The message here is so very simple: Never, ever go into water to rescue any animal - call the RSPCA or fire service if it is urgent and we will judge each situation on its merits."