Dog rescued by El Paso firefighters from nearly drowning in Lower Valley canal

The El Paso Fire Department’s water rescue team saved a dog from nearly drowning in a canal in the Lower Valley on Wednesday morning.

It occurred about 10:30 a.m. in the 10700 block of Socorro Road.

Authorities said a 1 1/2 year old golden retriever named “Buddy” fell into the canal while trying get a drink of water. The incident happened while the dog was out for a walk with its owner, Vicente Delgado.

A nearby Border Patrol agent radioed for assistance from fire crews.

The dog was trapped in the canal with strong water currents for about 45 minutes as rescue crews worked furiously to save it; Delgado said he lost sight of “Buddy” as his pet went under water several times.

After his dog was rescued, Delgado said “Buddy” appeared to be tired, but otherwise ok. He praised the efforts from the rescue crews to save his pet.