Emergency crews save dog after fall

A Washougal man is thankful several local police officers helped save his dog’s life.

Don James was walking his dogs, Whisky and Mickey, around 11:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15, in Washougal Waterfront Park. James said Whisky broke away, ran toward the bank and then slid down the bank.

Whisky, a 10-year-old, 150 pound, Leonberger, has issues with the nerves in his legs and hips that cause numbness in his extremities.

“I shimmied down the bank,” James said. “It was very steep. We got halfway up the bank, and I called 911.”

James was able to get Whisky out of the water, and he used a tarp to get the dog partially up the bank. Washougal Police Sergeant Kyle Day and Officer Chris Calcagno slid Whisky up the rest of the hill.

James, president of the Greater Clark County Kennel Club, is extremely appreciative of the help provided by local law enforcement.

“It brings tears to my eyes. There was plenty of empathy from them,” James said. “It was an interesting night, and not one I’d like to experience again.”