PICTURES: Limerick firefighters thanked for rescuing precious Ruby after K-999 call

TWO Limerick firefighters reacted to a dog drowning exactly the same as if a child was in difficulty, said the beloved pet’s owner. 

Noel and Shelley Keary, Monaleen, and Ruby - a deaf and blind 12-year-old springer spaniel - called to the fire station in Mulgrave Street to thank firefighters who risked their lives to save the dog., and Ruby - a deaf and blind 12-year-old springer spaniel - called to the fire station in Mulgrave Street to thank firefighters who risked their lives to save the dog.

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The Kearys handed over a big hamper to Mike Fitzgerald and Ian Jones (pictured above) and all the crew as a token of their appreciation.

Shelley said they rehomed Ruby around six years and “couldn’t be without her now”.

“She was previously a puppy farm dog. We got her from Limerick Animal Welfare who did a wonderful job rehabilitating her. She's such a gentle, sweet dog,” said Shelley, who brought Ruby on a walk on the banks of the Shannon in Plassey on August 25.

Ruby missed her footing, fell four feet down on an embankment into the river and the water’s flow brought her  downstream. 

“It was too deep there. I couldn't get in after her so after about an hour of trying to get to her and hearing her crying in the distance I decided to call 999,” said Shelley.

Firefighters arrived within minutes and Mike and Ian “went straight in” after pinpointing where Ruby was from her yelping. 

“They were unbelievable. If she had been a child, honestly, they couldn't have done more. They just jumped into this black water, not knowing what was underfoot or what was in there and rescued a little dog. Just amazing.

“I just ran with Ruby to the vet and hardly said thank you. We just felt the bravery they showed deserved to be recognised and say thank you. Everyone should know how great they were,” said Shelley.

WATCH: 'They couldn't have done more': Positive outcome as Limerick firemen rescue dog from river

Firefighter Mike takes up the story, saying they went straight in after hearing the dog howling.

“We were just anxious to get there as quick as we could so that we could make a good save,” he said.

Ian said a river by nature is dynamic so they could wade in places and swim in others. He said they had to travel about 200 yards and traverse an island to get to Ruby who was caught in reeds.

The firefighters had to use a knife to carefully cut her free and bring her back to Shelley after 20 minutes in the water. 

Ruby’s superb care continued at Rockhall Vets where staff were waiting with heat pads, x-rayed and given pain meds. She has made a full recovery  after her ordeal.

Mike and Ian said they were delighted to welcome Shelley and Ruby to the fire station and “great to see a positive outcome”.

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