Man Saves Dog From Shark

Posted on | October 2, 2008 | 2 Comments

Greg LeNoir and his pet dog Jake, a terrier cross, were swimming at a Florida Keys marina when a five-feet long shark suddenly came up underneath the dog and attacked the poor thing.

“I saw a big, dark green shape which I realised was a big shark’s head. It zoomed up under from Jake,” said Mr LeNoir.

“Jake screamed – a death scream – and it sucked him under. Before I could react it had disappeared. I thought, ‘Oh, that is a big shark’ but I was his only chance.
“I thought, ‘One hard strike from above’. I put my fists together and dived like a javelin and hard as I could. It was like hitting concrete.”

Mr LeNoir, a 53-year-old carpenter, punched the shark in the back of the neck area. The shark, which is believed to have been either a bull or lemon shark, released the two-year-old rescue dog immediately and Jake swam frantically back to dry land.

The dog is now making good progress recovering from bite wounds to his abdomen, chest and back as well as lacerations on his right side and left front leg. “The shark put almost all of Jake in his mouth, except for his head and three of his legs,” said Mr LeNoir.

He described Jake as “more dolphin than dog” – a “fast and fearless swimmer” who often retrieved jellyfish and soaked coconuts. “We have no children. Jake became our child. When I saw the shark engulf him, I thought, ‘This can’t be the end’. I couldn’t abandon him.”

His wife, Tessalee, said she wasn’t surprised by her husband’s bravery. “People know him as Dr. Doolittle. He’s the one who climbs up a tree to save a possum,” she said. Mr LeNoir said Jake had been having nightmares and may never want to swim again. Can’t blame the poor pup though – I know I wouldn’t go back in the sea after that! I’d like to offer a big thumbs up to Greg for risking his life to save his dog – that’s one cool owner with a lot of love

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