Owner leads hunt for dog rescue hero

Safe . . . Michael and Benji dry out after their duck pond drama

Benji saved from icy duck pond

ONE Oldham pensioner wasn’t expecting to go for a swim when he took his three dogs for a walk in the park.

But the 69-year-old had to put his doggy paddle into practice when his shitzu pup slid into an icy pond.

Michael Crowther, of Green Lane, Garden Suburb, took his three shitzus for a walk in Alexandra Park over Christmas.

His youngest pooch, 18-month-old Benji, spotted some ducks on an unfrozen part of the boating lake and raced across the ice to get to them.

When Benji fell into the water, Mr Crowther jumped in to save him.

Mr Crowther said: “I didn’t even think. I just vaulted the railing at the pond and jumped in with my coat and boots on — and my phone and wallet in my pocket.

“The dog leads ended up tangled around my neck. Luckily, the other dogs didn’t try to come across the ice as I shouted at them to stay back.”

The retired painter and decorator struggled to move in the water under the heavy weight of his coat.

He added: “I realised I needed to get out and take my coat off because it was too heavy for me to move and get Benji. I could see him splashing about in panic.

“I started smashing the ice because I couldn’t get a footing to get out. The ice was about 2in thick. The water wasn’t that deep but it was deep enough to swim in.”

Mr Crowther spotted two Asian teenagers at the other side of the park and shouted for help.

“They came over and helped me out. I thanked them but told them I needed to get back in to save my dog.

Before I could even take my coat off, one of the boys, who was about 16 or 17, took off his trainers and jumped in.

“He brought Benji out with him,” he said. But Benji’s saviour disappeared before Mr Crowther could thank him properly.

Mr Crowther said: “I didn’t have time to get his name or say a proper thank-you.

“He just picked up his trainers and left with his mate.

“I’ve been back to the park a few times to see if I can see them but I haven’t yet. He was a very brave lad. I’d just like to thank him from me and my wife Margaret. He was so brave.”

Mr Crowther and Benji have now fully recovered from their ordeal.

DO you know who rescued the dog? Contact us on 0161-622 2118 or email news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk