Cranford, New Jersey police officers come to rescue of choking dog

WABC ^ | December 23, 2014 | WABC Staff

[Altariel]

CRANFORD, N.J. (WABC) -- Three New Jersey police officers sprang into action to save a choking dog.

On Friday night, Cranford police received a frantic 9-1-1 call reporting a choking dog in the field adjacent to Walnut Avenue School.

During a game of catch, Leo, a Great Dane/Shepherd mix weighing over 140 pounds, began choking and couldn't breathe when a tennis ball became lodged in his throat.

Officer Robert Jordan encircled the dog with his arms and attempted to clear the dog's airway using abdominal thrusts. Officers John Rattigan and Brian Trotter arrived and assisted in the rescue.

When the ball was partially dislodged and the responding officers detected that the Leo was able to breathe, they immediately moved the canine to a waiting patrol car.

Leo and his owner, Cranford resident Donna Stone, were transported to Westfield Animal Hospital, where waiting staff performed an emergency procedure to completely remove the tennis ball.

"As an animal lover myself, I am well aware of the relationship that exists between dog and owner," said Cranford Police Chief James Wozniak. "I'm glad we were able avert a heartbreaking incident for this family during the holidays."

[Altariel]

Doggie ping

[Hyman Roth]

I can’t Bark!!!!!!!!!!

[Autonomous User]

Now that’s funny right there!!

[Georgia Girl 2]

LOL!

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

[Bigg Red]

A large dog like should not be playing fetch with a normal-sized tennis ball. There are oversized balls for sale for such breeds.

I wish more people were aware of this potential hazard. Perhaps veterinarians need to raise awareness on this issue.

[Bigg Red]

dog like should = dog like this should

[Salamander]

Well said.

If they can fit something completely inside their mouth, it’s too small.

[Slings and Arrows]

Paws up! Don’t shoot!

[Dick Bachert]

Lucky critter. The customary procedure in too many jurisdictions is to SHOOT THE DOG!

[Altariel]

Problem solved.

[Recovering Ex-hippie]

nOW that IS HILARIOUS!

“I can’t breathe!”

[Slings and Arrows]

Thanks!