There were a few anxious moments in Bellevue Wednesday morning as flood waters from the Harpeth River completely surrounded a dog still locked in his kennel. News 2 was there as fire crews conducted a K-9 water rescue.
By Wednesday morning, the river had overflowed its banks. What was once a cozy dog kennel for Jeb the black Lab had become a prison on a shrinking island surrounded by the still-rising river.
Neigbhor Reza Ahmadi said, "The poor dog needs some help, and of course I can't do anything about it. I don't have a boat."
Jeb's caretakers told News 2 they were watching the dog for a friend. The young men said that they didn't realize the river could rise this fast.
"I'm just so happy he's okay. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect something like this to happen," said one.
While other animals scurried to safety, and with estimates of the river's speed and depth varying wildly, neighbors decided that it was too dangerous to go into the water themselves. So they called the Nashville Fire Department to rescue the chilly animal that was up to its elbows in the flood.
The men of Firehouse 22 backed their 12-foot Zodiac into the chilly water. But their truck could only back up so far, and the Zodiac was too big for the launch. That's when firefighter Scott High braved the current and made his way to the excited dog. Jeb was so happy to be out of his cage that he swam back to shore, almost dragging the firefighter along for the rescue.
Once Jeb got to dry land, he did what every wet Lab does - shake, sniff everything, even try and knock down reporters with big muddy paws before taking time for a quick snack. All in all, it was another job well done by the Nashville Fire Department.
"I'm thankful the Nashville Fire Department came out here and took care of Jeb," said his caretaker. "It looks like he'll be all right."
