Tiny Dog Rescued After Swimming for Miles in San Francisco Bay Reunites With Family

July 24, 2026

What began as a frightening swim into the waters of San Francisco Bay ended with an emotional reunion, thanks to a remarkable rescue involving firefighters, police officers and a drone team.

Menlo Park Fire Protection District

Prieta, a small dog who had been missing since the Fourth of July, became the center of an all out rescue after someone called 911 to report that she had run into the bay and "just kept swimming."

The Menlo Park Fire Protection District, the East Palo Alto Police Department, and other first responders quickly launched a coordinated rescue by air and sea.

When crews arrived, they scanned the water with binoculars before deploying a drone to locate Prieta more precisely. The drone provided GPS coordinates that guided a rescue boat directly to the exhausted pup.

The East Palo Alto Police Department later shared video of the dramatic rescue, joking that "the cat in the tree had the day off" because this rescue "looked like something out of an action movie."

Officers also said Prieta had endured an "aerial assault by an organized gang of seagulls" while struggling to stay afloat, making the successful rescue even more impressive.

The rescue came down to perfect timing. Firefighter Tyler reached out and scooped Prieta from the water in one smooth motion, bringing her safely aboard.

After being checked over, Prieta was cared for by animal control before the local SPCA reunited her with the family that had been desperately searching for her ever since she disappeared on Independence Day.

The story became even more touching when Prieta and her owner later met many of the rescuers during a Menlo Park Fire Protection District board meeting. Firefighter Tyler, along with firefighters Seth, Dan, Carlos, Alex, and drone operator Tom, were there to see the little dog safe, dry, and happily back where she belonged.

Menlo Park Fire Protection District

Prieta's owner became emotional as she thanked everyone who helped save her beloved companion. She shared that she had recently lost several close family members and had been heartbroken when she believed she had lost Prieta as well.

For the rescue crews, seeing the pair reunited was the perfect reward.

As the fire district summed it up, it was a "Happy ending for all."