At Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue in the United Kingdom, volunteers are used to responding quickly to animal emergencies. So when multiple calls came in about a dog lying face down in a mossy ditch, they didn’t hesitate.
A team of water rescue volunteers was dispatched immediately, reaching the scene in just 20 minutes. But when they arrived, they realized the situation wasn’t quite what they expected.
The “dog” they rushed to save wasn’t a dog at all — it was a statue.
“It was a statue!” the rescue team shared in a Facebook post. “A statue that had already been rescued by an onsite member of staff!”
Rather than feeling frustrated, the rescuers appreciated the outpouring of concern from the community. To them, it was a good reminder that people were looking out for animals in need — even if this time, there wasn’t actually an animal to help.
“It’s always a relief when there isn’t an injured animal to tend to,” a Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue spokesperson told The Dodo.
The experience was a lighthearted one, but it also highlighted something important: no matter the situation, the volunteers are always ready to jump into action. And the next time a real dog needs saving, they’ll be more than ready.
If you'd like to support Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue’s mission to protect real animals in need, you can donate through their website.
