Three-Legged Dog Battling Cancer Rescues Baby Otter From River

April 26, 2022

A dog in Minnesota is being hailed as a hero for rescuing a baby otter in the St. Croix River over Easter weekend.

Gus

Gus is a 6-year-old Goldendoodle who is battling cancer. He's currently receiving chemotherapy at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital and recently had to have one of his legs amputated.

On Easter Sunday, Gus took off into the frigid St. Croix River.

Gus' owner, Cleo Young, said her grandkids Ella and Lucy watched him from shore swim far out, seemingly looking for something.

When he emerged from the water, he was not alone.

"First time swimming with three legs and he comes out of the water with a baby otter in his mouth!" said Ella.

Covered in sand, they washed him in the sink and rushed to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The team at WRC nursed the cold pup back to health. They said if Gus hadn't rescued him, he likely wouldn't have survived.

"It was definitely an Easter Sunday we will remember for a long time," Ella said.

Watch the video below.