The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE – You lucky dog!
Shiloh, a wayward beagle owned by James Schooler of Verge Street, was successfully plucked from the frigid waters of the Jackson River Wednesday night thanks to the efforts of several Alleghany County and Clifton Forge officials along with the MeadWestvaco Swift Water Rescue Team.
This tale began Wednesday evening when the dog apparently escaped from his new home and fled down the street to the A Street bridge. Shiloh became frightened while crossing the bridge and jumped over the railing into the icy water. He then swam to a concrete abutment in the river from an old bridge and climbed to a safe, dry perch.
The owner called 911, and Kirby Buzzard and Chris Holt responded from the Clifton Forge Police Department and were the first on the scene.
They then called Billy Angle, a Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries conservation police officer, and Ryan Muterspaugh, public safety officer for Alleghany County.
After putting their heads together, these officials decided to call the MeadWestvaco Swift Water Rescue Team, but upon their arrival, they could find no good place to launch their boat.
At that point, Muterspaugh and Alan Staton from MeadWestvaco put on suits designed to keep them warm in cold water and walked through shoulder-high waters of the Jackson to the dog. Shiloh was placed in a small rubber raft and pulled back to safety.
“The dog did not appear to be injured,” Clifton Forge Police Chief Barry Balser said. “The dog was wrapped in a blanket when they got him out of the water.”
Balser later sent an officer by the residence, and Shiloh appeared to be unscathed following his time on the lam.
The Clifton Forge Rescue Squad provided support at the scene by keeping an ambulance warm for the two men who entered the water, while the Clifton Forge Fire Department provided lighting by the river during the chilly rescue.
Balser also recognized the MeadWestvaco Swift Water Rescue Team for their efforts.
“It was one lucky beagle,” Balser concluded.
