Story originally printed in the Winona Daily News or online at www.winonadailynews.com
Published - Friday, March 28, 2008
Fish, wildlife officials save dog wandering around on island
Call him doggone lucky or Bowie.
A black Labrador is recovering at the Winona Area Human Society after being rescued from an island across from Winona’s east end boat ramp and harbor Wednesday afternoon.
Two local U.S. Fish and Wildlife workers searched for the lab on the Mississippi River after a man reported he saw it running around on an island for several days.
“It’s just satisfying to save that dog — it was really frightened,” said Tony Batya, Winona district assistant manager for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. “It wouldn’t have survived too much longer.”
Batya and FWS biological technician Brian Stemper spotted the black lab standing along the island’s bank. The Lab started howling and backing away as Batya and Stemper pulled up to the island. They chased after the dog, but eventually won him over once cat food and liver treats were offered, Batya said.
“It was so funny. He was trying to be tough and keep his tail between his legs, but it kept wagging,” Batya said. “He must have found some dead fish to eat, because he sure smelled like it.”
The dog wasn’t emaciated or starved, Stemper said, but probably got trapped on the island after walking out on the channel before the ice broke.
Winona Area Humane Society Vice President Deborah Stowe gave the 66-pound energetic dog a clean bill of health. Bowie, named by Humane Society volunteers, is between five and seven years old with a graying muzzle. His dog tags appeared to have been broken off.
Other than some dandruff, Bowie showed no signs of trauma or injury while Stowe played catch with him Thursday afternoon at the Humane Society. The dog can sit, shake and show love when his cowlick above his tail gets scratched.
 Bowey, a labrador retriever, takes a time out from chasing a ball Thursday at the Winona Area Humane Society. Two local Fish and Wildlife Service workers rescued the lab, named Bowey by the humane society volunteers, from an island out past Winona's east end boat ramp and harbour. It is believed the dog was out on the island for at least a week, though he is in good contition, and now the humane society hopes to find his owners. (photo by Katie Derus/Winona Daily News) |
Stowe said Bowie’s owners have until Wednesday to collect him before Bowie becomes property of the Humane Society and can be placed for adoption.
Neither Batya nor Stemper considered themselves heroes, but Stowe said, it was clear how much they cared for Bowie. Batya, who recently lost his Lab, checked on Bowie on Thursday morning.
“They went to extremes to catch him and save him,” she said. “We see a lot of nastiness down here, but he’s really a nice dog ... He’ll find his home, I’m sure.”
Contact reporter Amber Dulek at amber.dulek@lee.net or (507) 453-3513.
IS THIS YOUR DOG?
Visit the Winona Area Humane Society at 115 E. Broadway or call (507) 452-3135 to claim Bowie. The black lab was stranded on an island for at least five days before being rescued by two local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service workers Wednesday.
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