Oregon Humane Society's End Petlessness Campaign

Late last night, a volunteer rescue team from the Oregon Humane Society assembled to rescue a dog trapped in the fish ladder in Little North Santiam River in Lyons, Oregon. The dog, a pug mix named Jezebel, was swimming in the creek with her family when she was caught in the current and was swept into the covered fish ladder.

Marion County Emergency Dispatch contacted OHSTAR last night at 7 pm to request their assistance. Elkhorn Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the scene. The Oregon Humane Society Technical Animal Rescue team (OHSTAR) deployed five members to the scene in response to the emergency dispatch.

Jezebel was swept into the covered fish ladder, going through churning water and openings meant for fish until reaching a calmer section of the ladder. The pug mix managed to secure herself against the ladder, hanging onto the rungs and crying for her family.

The Elkhorn Fire Department tried to rescue Jezebel but welcomed the assistance of OHSTAR members, who are trained in animal rescue. Elkhorn firefighters waited at the station until OHSTAR members arrived and escorted them to the trailhead, where they hiked 5-10 minutes to the fish ladder.

"OHSTAR trains year round to assist in emergencies involving animals," said Rene Pizzo, OHSTAR team lead.

OHSTAR team member Ulli Neitch entered the fish ladder, secured by a safety harness and belay line. Neitch was able to catch the dog and secure her with a rescue harness. Jezebel was passed back to Pizzo and lifted to safety by additional OHSTAR team members.

Owner Shardell Bodda says that Jezebel is doing well, but is very tired from her ordeal.  “Jezebel is one lucky pug mix,” said Pizzo. OHSTAR team member Angela Modzelewski will be available for interviews at the Oregon Humane Society this afternoon from 3 to 4 pm.

OHSTAR receives no tax dollars and is supported entirely through private donations to the nonprofit Oregon Humane Society.