A German shepherd that became trapped in a dangerous concrete-lined canal in Indio was resting comfortably following her dramatic rescue Thursday, officials said.
A Coachella Valley Water District employee discovered the dog in the Coachella Canal just north of Highway 111 and called animal services at about 6:30 a.m., John Welsh of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services stated in an email.
A picture taken before rescuers could get to the dog, named Lola, showed the German shepherd struggling to stay afloat in the canal.
The water district employee worked with Animal Services Sgt. Miguel Hernandez worked to place a lariat around Lola, Welsh said.
The German shepherd, which was just a few feet away from a section of the canal used to siphon debris, resisted the rescue and slipped from the lariat twice, Welsh said.
Finally, on the third attempt, the two men were able to successfully loop the dog and pull it from the water.
Riverside County Animal Services)
Had Lola been sucked into the debris area, she likely would have perished, Welsh said.
It was unclear how the 3-year-old female dog ended up in the canal or how long she was in the water.
After her rescue, the dog was taken to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, Welsh said.
She was examined and treated by the county’s Veterinary Services Division for bloodied paws she sustained during several attempts to get out of the water, Welsh said.
“Great news for this 3-year-old gal,” Welsh wrote. “She has a microchip and the owner has already been contacted. They plan to reunite with Lola today at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus.”