A 20-year-old man named Raden Soemawinata was on Brighton pier to scatter his grandmother’s ashes into the bay in Melbourne, Australia. But when he was saying goodbye to one life, he had no idea he’d wind up saving another.
Just as he was paying his respects, a tiny Maltese – shih-tzu named Bibi was blown off the pier by strong winds and into the water. His owner, Sue Drummond, panicked and feared that her furry best friend would drown.
Without hesitation, Soemawinata quickly stripped down to his shirt and underwear and jumped into the water to save the scared pup, while a nervous Drummond and other passersby watched.
Thankfully, Soemawinata was able to grab a struggling Bibi and lift him out of the water to safety. He held Bibi up while Drummond kneeled down and pulled him up. Drummond gave Soemawinata a big hug and let out a huge sigh of relief after her furbaby was safe. She never expected this to happen in the first place, but I’m sure she’ll hold onto Bibi while at the pier from here on out.
Without Soemawinata, poor Bibi may have drowned. Drummond says she hesitated jumping in the water after him, because she wasn’t sure if she’d make it to shore with a struggling dog.
Thankfully Soemawinata, who has been hailed a hero, was at the right place at the right time to save Bibi. It was definitely fate, and both Bibi and Drummond are beyond thankful for his quick-thinking.
What would YOU do if you saw a dog struggling in the water?
See the pictures of the dramatic rescue in the video below:
Stay for one more story, be sure to check out these Top Trending Stories below:
10 Of The “Most Loyal” Dog Breeds On The Planet
Giving love and support to humans is something that some dogs do better than others.
While many dogs love everyone they meet and are willing to take treats or belly rubs from anyone, the pups we found are just the opposite.
These 10 dogs are some of the most loyal breeds on the planet. They are rock steady in their loyalty to their owner no matter what.
1) Akita
When the American Kennel Club (AKC) lists loyalty to describe the temperament of the Akita, you know they mean business. The beautiful double-coated working dog of Japanese ancestry is considered hardwired in protecting those she loves. They should be socialized with other dogs and people from the time they are puppies. Their silly, fun, but dignified personalities round out the loyal Akita.
Source: NicoMonaco/Flickr
2) Boxer
This working dog is smart, full of energy, and oh so loyal to their family. They get along great with kids and have an innate instinct to protect their pack. He’s a watchdog with a heart of gold who oozes dedication to his owner.
Source: Pierre Pocs Photography/Flickr
3) Skye Terrier
Known as the “small dog with the big ears,” this adorable breed hails from the Scottish Isle of Skye, hence the name. Whether you live in the city or the country, this small dog with a big personality is steadfast in snuggling, playtime, and remaining loyal to his owners.
Source: WaketheSun/Flickr
4) Beagle
This merry hound is friendly, curious and incredibly loyal. While he doesn’t mind the occasional couch potato time, this spunky pooch is energetic and merry. A fun fact about this hound: the breed standard is for 13 inches and under and another in the 13-15 inch category. No matter how you size him, these adorable dogs just want to cling to you.
Source: Simon Hameau/Flickr
5) Shar-Pei
This wrinkly non-sporting breed is standoffish to strangers but very loyal to his owner. His ancient Chinese roots are part of the charm of the Shar-Pei. Regal, strong, and smart, if you want a BFF for life, this loose-skinned pooch may be the right choice for you.
Source: Alessandro Persano/Flickr
