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.

Staff Say Unsafe Pressure At Naas Hospital Is Worsened By Uncovered Sick Leave And Vacant Positions
Inside The Celbridge Lab Where Evidence Helped Identify 32 Missing People Last Year
Man Assaulted By Two Males In Newbridge After Refusing To Hand Over His Jacket
Taoiseach Says Patients Shouldn’t Pay for Blister Packs - But Says State Can't Pay For Everything
Council Executive Asked Naas Cllrs To Refuse Free Xmas Parking To Encourage Use Of "Sustainable" Travel
Gunman Steals Cash From Centra In Naas Before Being Tracked Down By Gardai
Woman Arrested At Dublin Airport Detained In Kildare Garda Station Over Alleged Series Of Thefts
Vulnerable People And Those With Disabilities In Kildare Left Waiting A Year For Basic Advocacy Support