Story Created:
Feb 4, 2010 at 12:22 PM PST
Story Updated:
Feb 4, 2010 at 1:02 PM PST
DOWNEY — The German shepherd that was rescued from the rushing Los Angeles River in Vernon during last month’s heavy rains went home to his Maywood family Tuesday.
Spikey was plucked from the river by a Los Angeles Fire Department helicopter crew Jan. 22 in a rescue that was carried live by television stations and was later broadcast nationwide.
The dog bit the thumb of Joe St. Georges, the firefighter who was lowered by a hoist into the river and captured the frightened dog. St. Georges said he sympathized with the frightened animal and understood why he bit him.
“He didn’t actually break through the glove,” St. Georges said of his injury. “He just was able to get hold of it and bite down hard enough he broke the tip of the bone.
“I’m doing fine. I’m off duty. I’ll be returning to light duty. We’re not really sure how long I’ll be on light duty. It’ll depend on the healing process of the thumb. I’m guessing at least a month.”
After spending the last 10 days in quarantine at the Southeast Area Animal Control Agency facility in Downey, Spikey was released to his owner, 70-year-old Maria Medina, and her family.
Medina’s son, Ramon, told reporters Spikey was a “good dog.”
“He takes care of … the house. When somebody’s around, he’s always alert,” he said.
Ramon Medina said he was glad firefighters went to such effort to save the family pet.
“It’s unbelievable. … Some people have told me why do all this work for a dog?” he said. “And many people have told me ... the job that was done, it was worth it ... for saving the dog’s life.”
Spikey and the family’s other dog, a yellow Labrador named Polo, escaped from the family’s yard through a gate that was apparently left open by a young child. Polo was found the next day in the same area as Spikey’s rescue.
Officials at SEAACA said a Medina family member contacted them Jan. 25 to claim the dog — who had been dubbed “Vernon” by firefighters. SEAACA workers went to the Medina home to confirm the dog’s ownership.
Spikey wore a muzzle as he was handed back to his family. Ramon Medina conceded that the dog was nervous, having been through such an ordeal.
The firefighters involved in the rescue, meanwhile, were awarded a “Knights of Katrina award by the MuttShack Animal Rescue Foundation.
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