Overview
- Two volunteers from Iron Paw Rescue and SoCal Animal Advocacy crossed the West Fork Mojave River around 8 p.m. using a cable tethered to a truck to reach a stranded German Shepherd on a steep slope.
- The pair became stuck on the opposite bank and called 911, prompting San Bernardino County Fire’s USAR/swift-water team to respond later that night with specialized gear.
- Rescuers deployed an inflatable boat and transported both men and the dog across the fast, cold river without injuries, according to the fire department.
- Conditions were described as treacherous, with currents reportedly near 10 mph and unstable, soft riverbank soil that quickly overwhelmed the volunteers.
- The dog, now named River, is in care for rehabilitation and a future home as officials emphasize that improvised water rescues should be left to trained professionals; the animal’s origin remains unconfirmed.