Central NY Deputies Honored by PETA After Dramatic Seneca River Dog Rescue

Dog in Distress Seen Swimming in Central NY River

Earlier this week deputies with the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call about a dog in distress.

The goldendoodle was seen swimming in the middle of the Seneca River. Thankfully, the deputies were "conducting a patrol flight at the time" in a helicopter and were able to get to the scene in 1 minute.

READ MORE: Goldendoodle Saved From Central New York River By Helicopter

When they arrived at the scene, the noticed the dog struggling to stay afloat. They decided to perform "a skid rescue."

WATCH: Onondaga Sheriff's Deputies Rescue Dog With Helicopter

A skid rescue involves a special helicopter maneuver  "where a pilot lands only one skid—or touches both "toes" of the skids."

According to a statement released by the Onondaga Sheriff's Office a pilot with the Air 1 flight crew conducted a skid walk to the back of the helicopter where he "secured himself to the aircraft, and directed the pilot to the dog."

Video of the incredible rescue was shared on social media and is going viral for the right reasons:

The 911 call came in around 6:09 pm and the dog was safely rescued from the water by 6:15pm.

While there haven't been any updates on the dogs condition, we learned the dog "appeared to be extremely cold, as it was continuously shivering."

Onondaga Sheriff's Officer Honored For Helicopter Rescue By PETA

The rescue, as we mentioned before, is going viral and the folks at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (aka PETA) took notice.

The Onondaga Sheriff's Office will receive A Compassionate Police Department Award. This award is given to officers or agencies "who go beyond standard law enforcement duties to exhibit exceptional empathy, kindness, and community service" according to the PETA website.

PETA adds

These awards honor actions like helping victims, mental health advocacy, volunteerism, or rescuing animals, highlighting a focus on humanity alongside public safety.

The helicopter crew from the Onondaga Sheriff's Office will be receiving a framed certificate and vegan chocolates from PETA for their quick action to rescue the Goldendoodle, who we've learned is named Cooper.

PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk said in a press release  “PETA encourages everyone to follow these wonderful rescuers’ example by never hesitating to help an animal in danger.”

A job well done by all!