CHANDLER — An employee from the Salt River Project (SRP) is responsible for saving a dog that was trapped in a Chandler canal grate.
Around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, August 21, SRP's zanjero Marcus Arnold was performing routine duties in Chandler when he noticed a dog sitting alone on a bank. He rolled down the window of his vehicle and said he heard another dog whimpering. When he looked into the grate, he saw a small dog trapped inside.
Arnold called one of his coworkers, Alex Gutierrez, to help rescue the pup.
"Marcus put his construction and maintenance background to use and unbolted a small portion of the grate while Alex kept an eye on the other stray dog," SRP said in a press release. "Once the metal grate was no longer attached to the wall, Marcus made a small lasso and pulled the frightened dog up five feet to safety."
The two workers gave the dogs food and water, "but given that it was still the middle of the night, there wasn't much more they could do and the stray friends left safely together," according to SRP.
SRP provided the following safety reminders when it comes to canals:
- Do not swim in canals. Keep a safe distance from the edges.
- Canal sides are extremely slick, making it difficult to get out.
- Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing and tubing are not allowed.
- Make sure to teach children about canal safety.
- Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the canal banks (authorization from SRP is required).
- Stay away from automated equipment at water delivery gates.
- Never jump in to rescue pets or objects such as toys.
- Call 911 for help.
- Secure permission from SRP before using canal banks for any kind of event.
- Call (602) 236-3126 for permit information.
