Like many other members of our furry family, Ted, a four-year-old Poodle hybrid, enjoys afternoon walks with his owner and best friend Erich. The pair were out for a walk after a rainstorm when a terrible accident happened, and sweet Ted was taken away too soon.
Both Ted and Erich were electrocuted, but Ted’s small body couldn’t take it.
Erich got Ted from MADACC three and a half years ago. Ted was raised as a puppy with a broken jaw and has won the hearts of all the staff. But since then he has been brought back together and met his best friend Erich.
It was during their beloved daily walk around the block that the tragic accident happened. Ted and Erich were walking past a lamp post when they were both shocked.
RELATED: Dogs Mysteriously Get Electrocuted While Walking in Chicago
“As we crossed the street… Ted’s chain made contact with the pole. When I approached him, I was shocked. I turned around, and I screamed, and I was panicking – he was panicking, I was panicking,” Erich said.
Erich and Ted’s neighbors witnessed what happened and ran to try to help, but it was too late. Despite immediately making every effort to resuscitate him, the electric shock from the pole was simply too strong for Ted’s small body.
“I was on the street doing resuscitation for Ted, and the neighbors came out and started cheering Ted on telling him to go small, go young. Then he ended up drooping, rolling his eyes and collapsing,” Erich said.
As you can imagine, Erich is devastated and goes in search of answers. Who would have expected to be shocked by a city-maintained lamppost? The technicians conducted an inspection and determined that there was a problem and the problem was resolved. But that doesn’t make Ted return, or reassure Erich.
“I definitely want to do something to raise awareness about these issues and find out what’s really going on – is this a one-time thing or is there something going on with it?” Eric said.
According to our research, stray voltages are a real, but barely discussed, hazard for both humans and dogs living in urban areas. Flow travels across the street through metal fixtures such as service boxes, manhole covers, power grids, light poles, telephone booths, and fire hydrants.
After the crash, Milwaukee police responded and Erich was taken to the hospital for treatment for his non-life-threatening injuries.
My deepest condolences to Erich. We know that dogs are more than just pets and Ted will always hold a special place in his heart.
Featured pictures: Screenshots
