In a story unfolding via several TikTok updates, a group of friends boating around Fort Lauderdale, Florida, rescued a small dog stranded in open ocean. From a compilation by People, including reporting from NBC2 News, it appears that the pup was literally lost at sea.
While boating with friends in the waters off of Fort Lauderdale, Bryn Crowell and crew happened across the small pup treading water, out in the open ocean, all alone.
Crowell captured the rescue and posted it to TikTok on Monday with the caption, “Just Florida things.” The video has since accumulated over ten million views.
[WARNING: Offensive language]
@bryncrowelljust florida things #dogsaved #boating #florida original sound – bryncrowell
In the video, you can see one of the boaters paddling back to the boat through fairly turbulent waters, dog in hand. Quickly, everyone else helps bring the dog aboard their vessel.
From the dog’s tags, they were able to discern that his name was Zuko, and there was a phone number listed.
How Did Zuko End Up Stranded In Open Ocean?
@bryncrowellReply to @mistygreer78 original sound – bryncrowell
Cromwell posted several follow up videos further explaining the situation.
Upon calling the number listed on Zuko’s tag, Crowell discovered that the pup’s humans lived close by, about 20 minutes by boat. Earlier that day, they’d lost him while out boating themselves.
Crowell reported that the dog’s human was “crying and thankful” to have her pet found when they returned him. They also gave Cromwell $300 to cover gas.
Wondering later how the dog ended up in the ocean, Crowell exchanged texts with the dog’s human. She shared the texts publicly in another follow-up TikTok.
@bryncrowellReply to @jensondelarouge for the hundreds of people that think we would toss a dog into the ocean for tik tok views Life Goes On – Oliver Tree
“He was hopping around in the back of the boat ‘biting’ the waves that were passing by, and I guess in one of those moments he must’ve jumped a little too high and jumped overboard,” wrote the pet parent, in response to Crowell’s inquiry.
Boat Safety For Dogs Is Important
@bryncrowellFinal update on Zuko! Home and healthy, vet approved. Owners have learned their lesson, no need to ream them in the comments. Instrumental Background Music – Happy Instrumental Piano
While Zuko’s human further told Crowell that they made a good faith effort to find Zuko once they realized he was missing, they could have avoided the situation entirely with some dog boating safety tips.
If you’re going to take your dog out into open water, be mindful that dogs like to play and jump. Also, humans can easily get tossed out of boats, so certainly dogs can, too.
Keep a watchful eye, at minimum. Hold onto your pup, and fasten them up with a dog life-preserver. Fun times can be had, but safely.
DogTime has a full guide to boating safely with your dog here! We also have a guide to choosing the best life jacket for your dog here!
Tragedy was thankfully avoided, and according to a fourth TikTok update from Crowell, Zuko is in good health after a very lucky save.
How do you keep your dog safe when you take them out in your boat? What would you think if you found a dog stranded in open ocean? Let us know in the comments below!
