AR-News: (IL - US) Blind beagle rescued from lagoon

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Blind beagle rescued from lagoon
By Connie SeastedtTimes correspondent

PEKIN -- Some early morning walkers had more than just a leisurely stroll 
around the lagoon Monday: They helped save the life of a blind dog. 

"The beagle is doing great. We just hope his owner comes to get him, if he 
has one," Pekin Animal Control worker Shelly Hoyle said.

The male beagle mix dog had somehow ended up in the chilly waters of the 
Mineral Springs Park lagoon and couldn't figure out how to get to dry land.

Park Superintendent Tom Elliott said he was called to the scene after some 
daily walkers saw the dog in the water on the south side of the lagoon near the 
shore and pulled him out around 6:30 a.m. Monday. They instantly called 911 
for someone to come help out the dog.

The man who rescued the blind pup just had to reach in and get him; he was 
close enough to shore that no one had to actually get all the way in the water, 
Elliott said.
"It sounded easy enough but it turns out these rescuers actually had to pull 
the dog out three different times. He kept getting back in," Elliott said.

Elliott said he didn't get the name of the man who rescued the beagle because 
everyone was so shaken up.
"We just wanted to get the dog warm, that was all that mattered at the time," 
Elliott said. "I do wish I got his name, though, because he helped save the 
dog's life."

Elliott said it was obvious the dog was blind because of its mannerisms, and 
Hoyle confirmed that the dog indeed had pink scab-like films over both eyes, 
which kept him from being able to see anything.

Aside from being cold and confused, Hoyle said he was in good condition and 
just kept moving his head around trying to figure out where he was.

The beagle is brown and white and mixed with another unknown breed. Hoyle 
said he looks like a typical beagle in size and appearance, aside from his 
blindness.
"That water is so cold even though the weather is getting nice," Elliott 
said. "The dog had to be freezing."
While waiting for someone to come get the dog from animal control, Elliott 
said, the rescuer took the dog over to the batting cages away from the water and 
tried to get him warmed up. Once Elliott arrived, they took the dog inside 
and out of the cool morning breeze.
"He just kind of walked around once inside not knowing where he was, since he 
couldn't see," Elliott said, "We are so lucky those walkers were there to get 
him out."

Elliott hopes someone didn't just turn him loose and really hopes someone 
comes to the animal control building to claim him. Hoyle said the beagle looked 
like he was fed regularly and didn't look like a stray.
"If no one does claim him I really hope someone adopts the dog because he 
needs and deserves a good home. Just because he is blind doesn't mean he can't be 
loved and a part of someone's family like any other dog," Elliott said.
Hoyle said they will hold the beagle for five days to see if an owner comes 
forth. After that, he will be up for adoption.

"If there is no owner to claim him, I think someone will adopt him even 
though he is blind," Hoyle said. "He seems like a good, friendly dog."

For more information on the blind beagle or to inquire about pet adoption, 
call animal control at 477-2270.
    



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