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AirTag, Surfers and Lifeguards Save San Diego Dog Swept to Sea

Sadie is home recovering, now taking short walks after paw injuries from the jetty.

Overview

  • Owners Alexis Barcellos and Brandon Valdez tracked 5-year-old Sadie nearly two miles to Ocean Beach using an AirTag on her collar.
  • Surfers reported a dog caught in a rip current near the Ocean Beach jetty, prompting a coordinated search by San Diego lifeguards and a U.S. Coast Guard boat.
  • After roughly an hour with plans to halt the effort, the search continued briefly before lifeguards renewed hope that the water-savvy Lab might still be alive.
  • Lifeguards Garrett Smerdon and Jack Alldredge spotted Sadie about a half-mile offshore near South Mission Beach, transferred her to a surf boat, and reunited her with her owners.
  • Her paws and nails were damaged during the ordeal, and after a week of being carried she has resumed short outings, including a pet-store visit and a 1.5-mile walk.