A couple in Brighouse is expressing their heartfelt gratitude to an anonymous “true hero” who rescued their Basset Hound, Gracie, from the canal. Mihangel and Helen Smith shared their appreciation for the quick-thinking runner who intervened during a walk at Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve along the Calder and Hebble Navigation Canal.
The incident occurred around 11 am when Mrs. Smith was out walking with Gracie, who they rescued over 18 months ago. Mrs. Smith, a daily visitor to the canal with Gracie, highlighted that Basset Hounds, due to their body structure, are not adept swimmers, and Gracie particularly dislikes water.
Recalling the unexpected turn of events, Mrs. Smith explained, “She was following on behind me and just sniffing away happily as she usually does when all of a sudden, this runner came past and said to me, ‘I had to rescue your dog from the canal, she fell in,’ and he just carried on and ran off. I had no idea. She must have decided to launch herself in the canal. It’s so unlike her.”
Despite Gracie being left soaked from the incident, Mrs. Smith assured that her cherished Basset Hound was unharmed and spent the Sunday afternoon peacefully at home.
The Smiths are now eager to locate and express their thanks to the anonymous runner who selflessly intervened. Mrs. Smith emphasized the runner’s reluctance to accept gratitude, stating, “He didn’t want any gratitude. He just wanted to finish his run. He took his time to help Gracie, so we just wanted to get in touch and thank him properly.”
In a post on the Brighouse and Rastrick Community Network Group, Mr. Smith extended his appreciation, writing, “Would like to say a massive thank you to the unknown runner that saved my Basset Hound Gracie from the Brighouse canal this morning after she fell in. Thank you for jumping in, and like a true hero, you just carried on your run.”
Mrs. Smith is encouraging the runner to reach out to her through her Facebook account, Hellie Bee, to facilitate proper communication and express their sincere gratitude for the timely and heroic rescue of Gracie.
