A hawk the Fury crew rescued from the ocean. Photo courtesy of Fury Girl Annabelle McLeod.
By Shayne Benowitz
The headline hit the Key West Citizen on Thanksgiving Day: “Dog Rescue Makes for Many Thanks: 20-year-old blind dachshund tumbles off owner’s sailboat.” The story goes on to tell about a couple who lives aboard their sailboat in the Key West anchorage. They were in Key West on shore during the day, and when they returned to their vessel at dusk one of their two pups, Mickey, was missing. Panicked, the couple searched the boat and the surrounding waters hopelessly. No dog was in sight.
A lucky twist of fate earlier in the day got Mickey ashore safe and sound. During an afternoon jet ski tour, our crew member and guide Lyndall Canter spotted something in the ocean near Boca Chica Channel. “At first I thought it was a baby manatee,” he told The Citizen. He put the tour on hold at a nearby sandbar and everyone pitched in to give the dog fresh water and to dry him off.
Once they returned to the Margaritaville Marina, other crew members on hand helped to wash the dog off, feed him, and try to rehydrate him before shuttling him to a nearby animal hospital. We’re happy to report that Mickey survived and was reunited with his owners through the coconut telegraph. We’re very proud of the sharp eyes and generous nature of Lyndall and the rest of the crew for getting the little pup to safety.
Coincidentally, in the last week or two, we’ve rescued a couple of feathered friends from the marina and nearby waters including the adorable hawk in the picture above, and a pigeon. This happens from time to time, and we always call the Key West Wildlife Center who promptly picks up the animals and brings them to their center for rehabilitation.
At Fury, we’re lucky to spend every day on the water observing the amazing animals and nature that make up this unique ecosystem. It’s no wonder our crew is full of animal lovers and rescuers whether it’s a furry friend, a feathered friend, or any animal!
Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crew member and freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter @ShayneBenowitz
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