There’s nothing more heartwarming than an unexpected pair of animal friends. There’s something about them being there for each other without being able to communicate enough to bring tears to our eyes. So when a manatee kept company with stranded dogs, many fell in love with this unlikely duo.
The pitiful Pit Bull was stranded in the river overnight, clinging to the cement wall for a living. He couldn’t cling to the surface well enough to climb out, so he remained hovering there alone. However, when a feral manatee spots the dog struggling, it desperately wants to keep the dogs as friends.
The dog struggles to stay afloat
Some people in the Tampa neighborhood heard unusual noises during the night, but they didn’t think much of it at first. Then, in the morning, someone noticed a white dog stuck in the Hillsborough River. He looked scared as he tried to cling to the riverbank as best he could.
Someone contacted the Tampa Police Department when they spotted the dog struggling. Officers, including MPO Randy Lopez, rushed to the scene to save the dog before it was too late.
Lopez climbed into the river on a ladder and carried the large dog ashore. The poor dog was covered with bug bites and his paws were bloody from clinging to the cement. However, while on land, his demeanor changed, making him more playful and relaxed. He’s so lucky that someone in the neighborhood found him when they did!
Manatees watch over dogs
After the rescue, officer Jodie Maxim showed everyone the beautiful picture she took. In the photo, the silhouette of a manatee can be seen in the water behind the stranded dog. Manatees seem to deliberately hang out near dogs, so many people refer to the gentle giant as a “guardian angel” for dogs. The more realistic explanation, however, is that manatees are naturally curious creatures. Either way, it’s sweet that the manatee was there for the dog in a time of need.
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“While setting up the rescue operation, look closely, this manatee kept our subsidiary scared, soaking wet until the TPD Marine Patrol was able to complete the rescue. You don’t see that every day, and it’s a great reminder… the importance of kindness,” the Tampa Police Department wrote on Facebook.
When the dog was rescued, many people in the neighborhood gathered nearby to see what was happening. The chaos prompted the dog’s owners to approach the situation and they were delighted to see that their beloved dog was found safe. Both the dog and its human seem to be delighted to be reunited.
Featured pictures: Facebook
