Stranded Pooch Rescued From Stinky Situation

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A stray dog found herself stuck in a stinky situation in Riverside County this week, when she became trapped in a waste water treatment basin. Fortunately, animal control officials say the German shepherd-pit bull mix was pulled to safety before the pit overflowed with refuse, potentially drowning her.

It all started about 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Riverside Public Works' Water Quality Control Plant on Acorn Street, just off of Jurupa Avenue, near Riverside Municipal Airport, according to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

Plant workers were the first to spot the pup, stranded in the middle of the basin, which is the size of a football field and can sometimes fill with waste water to depths of 20 feet, said John Welsh, the Department of Animal Services public information chief.

"The good news is that the basin, which can hold a depth of approximately 20 feet, was only about 3 feet when she was spotted," Welsh said in a news release. "She was able to sit up, albeit she was sitting up in a not-so-pleasant pool of sewage.

"But by mid-day, the pond’s water level rises after the flow from thousands of residents’ morning showers and other activities."

Plant workers Brent Keaster and Richard Pallante rigged a line and lasso, then Keaster rappelled down into the basin, staying above the water line and trying to draw the frightened canine nearer to him, Welsh said.

"She realized we were there to help," Keaster said. "We thought she might be aggressive. She was wearing a chrome-studded harness. But she was pretty docile. She was pleased. It was a good day."

Department of Animal Services Officer John Hergenreder went to the location in response to calls about the stranded animal and assisted Keaster, giving him a snaring device that made catching and removing the dog from the basin much easier.

The dog was taken to the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley and received a "very necessary bath," Welsh said.

Veterinary technicians examined the dog, identifying at least one small cut but nothing more serious in the way of injuries, according to Welsh.

The dog will be impounded at the shelter, where she will wait to be claimed.

— City News Service contributed to this report / Images and video courtesy of Riverside County Department of Animal Services