The terrier battled the current for close to half an hour before getting near enough to the bank for a man - who had been walking nearby with his girlfriend - to grab a life belt and pull him out.
A Dublin woman has thanked the people of Athy after their elderly wheaten terrier was rescued from the town’s canal and river system in a frightening incident today.
Sheila Miley had travelled from Dublin to visit the Ernest Shackleton Experience and was walking her dogs along the Barrow before crossing to the canal lock.
It was there the terrier fell into the lock.
Several quick-thinking passers-by stepped in immediately, helping to clear debris in the lock to try to guide him towards the bank.
Despite the effort, the force of the water pushed him through and he was swept into the fast-flowing River Barrow.
The terrier battled the current for close to half an hour before getting near enough to the bank for a man - who had been walking nearby with his girlfriend - to grab a life belt and pull him out.
Staff in Shaws later helped warm the exhausted dog with a hot water bottle.
Ms Miley said she is very lucky to still have her dog and wanted to thank everyone in Athy who stepped in.

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