Three-Legged Goldendoodle Dog Rescues Baby Otter In Minnesota

Gus [Image FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul/YouTube]

Dog lovers know that their pets have the biggest hearts of all animal species. However, the owners of Gus, a three-legged Goldendoodle, were surprised when he suddenly headed out into the water. It turns out he had spotted a baby otter in trouble in St. Croix River in Lakeland, Minnesota.

Gus the three-legged Goldendoodle dog

Six-year-old Gus has been battling cancer since a tumor was found on his leg, leading to its amputation. However, while he is still battling the dreaded disease, this isn’t slowing the three-legged dog down.

[Image FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul/YouTube]

Over the Easter weekend, Gus’s owners took him for a walk next to the St. Croix River in Lakeland, Minnesota. Suddenly, the Goldendoodle’s ears pricked up and he headed out into the cold water. At first, his family was concerned, not knowing whether Gus could still swim with only three legs. However, it turned out swimming was no problem for the caring mutt. As his family watched, Gus swam around 50 feet out on the river and brought back a tiny surprise in his mouth.

Gus rescues a baby otter

It turns out the Goldendoodle has spotted and then rescued, a tiny baby otter that had been struggling to stay afloat on the water.

Gus’ owner, Cleo Young, told Fox 9 that the dog instantly brought the baby otter to her and her granddaughters, Ella and Lucy. Lucy said she held the baby otter for a while, as they tried to find his mom with no success. They decided to head to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center so they could care for the tiny animal.

“It was kind of a harrowing trip because it was closing at 6 pm, and we didn’t know if we were going to make it,” Young said.

The baby otter hadn’t opened his eyes yet [Image FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul/YouTube]

Meanwhile, the team at the rehabilitation center was able to nurse the tiny otter back to health. However, they did tell Young that it was likely he wouldn’t have survived if Gus hadn’t rescued him from the water. Officials also said that the baby otter was too young to be in the freezing cold water. They estimated he was around a week old.

The rehabilitation center was concerned for the tiny otter during the first day and a half as they feared he may have been fighting pneumonia. However, according to the wildlife officials, the otter “turned the corner the other day and is doing well.”

“Kudos to Gus, and his wonderful owners, Cleo and John, for saving this young otter’s life,” they added.

Meanwhile, the baby otter is now receiving proper care at the rehabilitation center and is doing well.

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