River Rescue in Wellesley Saves Dog from Freezing Waters

WELLESLEY, MA – A construction worker who may or may not moonlight as Superman came to the rescue of a dog and her owner after they fell into the Charles River. Leila was on a walk Tuesday morning when she went into the river near Route 128 on the Needham side.

Her owner fell through thin ice on the shore line trying to grab her, Wellesley police said. The owner ultimately was able to get out, but Leila struggled as she tried to swim to safety. She caught the attention of a nearby Barletta construction worker, who jumped in from the Wellesley riverbank and pulled her to safety.

Emergency crews responded to the scene, but thanks to the good Samaritan's quick thinking, no rescue was needed.

The construction worker was taken to Newton-Wellesley Hospital as a precaution.

Photos via Wellesley PD