The staffie had gone missing near Ravenscourt Park and wandered to Chiswick Pier

Chiswick RNLI carried out a rescue mission this week without having to launch the lifeboat.

A ten year old staffie was cared for by the duty lifeboat crew on Wednesday evening 12 December 2018 after he was found wandering near Chiswick Pier.

Image Dave Clarke RNLI

There were no owner details as the dog’s collar was broken so photos were posted on social media; the crew then rang round local vets to see if any could scan the dog for a chip. The owner had also been ringing round local vets and finally spoke to one who said he had better call Chiswick Lifeboat station.

Soon after, there was a tearful reunion; the crew were happy to help resolve a distressing situation, the tenth involving a dog this year but the only doggie incident where they didn’t have to launch the lifeboat.

The dog had gone missing near Ravenscourt Park and had made his way over a mile to Chiswick Pier when a passer by saw he was on his own, and asked the duty crew to look after him.

RNLI crew member Cub Llewellyn-Davies said “It wasn’t ideal to be caring for a dog on our night shift as we could be called out at any time. Fortunately he was reunited with his owner during the evening”

Chiswick RNLI lifeboat station is the second busiest in the UK and Ireland. Since The RNLI search and rescue service on the Thames started in 2002, Chiswick Lifeboat has attended over 3,500 incidents and rescued over 1,730 people, and dozens of dogs. The RNLI is entirely funded by public donations.

For information on how to stay safe on or near water or to find your nearest lifeguarded beach, visit the RNLI’s website at www.rnli.org.uk

December 13, 2018