On July 5, John Koobatian, 13, of Madison, was visiting Chatfield Hollow with his friends and family. The same day, Casey, an elderly 15-year-old black lab was also visiting Chatfield Hollow, in nearby Killingworth with her owner.
Koobatian's mom, Nadine Koobatian, says Casey went for a swim in the pond and became disoriented.
"In a frantic attempt to reach shore, she misjudged and instead made her way out to the center of the pond. Unable to swim further, she frantically thrashed and then succumbed to the water," Nadine Koobatian says. "John, watching with his family and friends from the shore, realized that Casey was drowning and her owner was not able to swim out to rescue her. Without hesitation, John swam out to rescue Casey."
John's mom sent us a picture of John comforting Casey after he brought her back to land. "She was treated at Killingworth Veterinary Hospital and released in good condition," Nadine Koobatian said.
In addition to having plenty of backup during the rescue attempt, since his family and friends were nearby, John's mom tells us that John has the right background for this kind of rescue attempt.
"John is a strong swimmer and avid sailer who has spent most of the summer either on or in the water. We were also prepared to go in after John if we needed to," she said. "The dog's owner appeared to be in his mid-70s. He was clearly distraught and there was no way he could have gone in. John definitely saved the dog's life. We are very proud of him."
