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Dog rescued after dip in river near Chilliwack

Timber's owner lost sight of him when he was swept downstream in the strong current, unable to make it back to shore.
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Timber was rescued with the help of RCMP and a Good Samaritan after getting stranded on a river bank. He was tired and wet but none the worse for wear.

Timber the yellow Labrador is none the worse for wear after a dip Wednesday afternoon in the Vedder River.

The dog's owner lost sight of him when he was swept downstream in the strong current, and then was unable to make it back.

She called RCMP. They found him stuck about one kilometre up from the Keith Wilson bridge.

"When people are panicked and they don't know who to call, they call 9-1-1," said RCMP Const. Tracy Wolbeck.

"Thankfully we were in a position to be able to go to the river and help Timber and his owner."

One officer climbed down to get closer to where the dog was, while another was bringing over the RCMP boat.

A Sea-Doo rider ended up scooping the dog off the shore and bringing him to the officer.

"It was a terrifying experience knowing he was somewhere in the water," said dog owner Kathy Slade.

He ended up stranded in a spot where they couldn't quite reach him.

"I can't put into words how thankful we are to the RCMP and to the other members of the public who helped return Timer to us safely."  They were reunited.

Other than being soaking wet and exhausted, Timber was "no worse for wear."



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