Firefighters to the rescue of Fresno pup

A lost puppy trapped in the McKinley Canal was rescued by Fresno firefighters Friday morning and turned over to animal rescue officials.

The shivering male German shepherd pup was trapped in the canal just west of First Street. Craig Burson, who lives in the area, said he saw the dog chasing cars about 10 a.m. A short time later, he saw the puppy swimming in the canal, desperately trying to get out. Burson called for help and firefighters and an engine truck quickly rolled up.

Firefighter Matt Rautt went into the water to calm the frightened pup, who was huddled against a concrete embankment in about a foot of water. After a short introduction as he rubbed the dog’s ears, Rautt fashioned a harness of ropes. Together with firefighter Clay Allison, they were able to bring the puppy up a ladder to the canal bank, where he was the center of attention with friendly pets and calming words from Engineer Pete Martinez, Allison, Rautt and Capt. Bart Burkhart.

The puppy was taken to the Central California Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, where he is in good condition, according to spokesman Walter Salvari. He sustained a minor injury to his left front pad and his back leg, apparently trying to climb out of the canal on the steep concrete bank.

The dog was not wearing a tag and did not have an electronic chip, so his name or owner was not immediately known.

This story was originally published July 24, 2015 at 1:52 PM with the headline "Firefighters to the rescue of Fresno pup."