Firehouse.com

It took firefighters, two ladders, a catch pole and finally dog treats to rescue a pooch stranded Monday evening under the Carroll Creek Bridge on Bentz Street.

An hour of worry ended happily for Kimberly Henry and her daughter, Lexie Taylor, 8, when their dog, Bailey, came up the fire department ladder in the arms of one of the firefighters.

"It's a happy ending, so I don't mind," Henry said after she got home with daughter and dog.

They had been walking at the dog park on Bentz Street around 7 p.m. when Lexie ran across Carroll Parkway to the bridge. Bailey, on the leash in Henry's hand, raced after.

Lexie stopped to look over the side of the bridge, Henry said. Bailey, an 11-month-old Labrador retriever-husky mix, couldn't resist jumping over.

"All I know is he just took off," Henry said.

Down into the darkness plunged the dog. He had not realized the drop or the water were there, Henry said.

Reaching the end of his leash, Bailey might have choked, so Henry let go.

She heard neither splash nor bark.

Two joggers advised Henry to dial 911.

United Steam Fire Engine Co. responded. According to Frederick County Emergency Communications, Frederick County Animal Control also responded.

Finally, Bailey appeared on a ledge beneath the bridge. Frightened and soaked, he could not get back up.

United Fire's Lt. Jeff Shippey and Chris Gozdziewski went down into the water to fetch the dog.

Bailey was nervous about the firefighters, backing away when they attempted to reach him. Henry said a rescue boat was even put in the water.

Eventually, with dog treats and a catch pole, the firefighters caught Bailey. A gentle dog usually, he put up no fight at that point, Henry said.

She was grateful for the determined efforts of the fire department.

"I told them I was going to go make a donation."

It was all over in an hour, but it was the kind of thing that happens in the blink of an eye to a mother, Henry said.

"You're scared," Henry said. "It's like your kid."

McClatchy-Tribune News Service