It was my routine early morning walk with my Golden Retriever at the Tanjong Rhu Park on 27 Oct 08. There were not many people walking around 6.30am on this public holiday, Deepavali. I noted an unleashed small breed dog. It looked lost.

As a kind Filipino lady approached it, thinking that it was coming after my dog, the fearful dog ran past her, went to the edge and jumped right into Kallang River! I was petrified. Can he swim? Where is the nearest point where I can climb down to get him? Looking around, I realised I had no option unless I dived right into the river. I climbed past the railing, scouted for signs of the dog and thankfully, he was swimming.

I didn't have my mobile with me so I quickly borrowed one and called the police emergency hotline giving the details. All the while, I noted the dog swimming farther out from the edge, under the connecting bridge to the Indoor Stadium. How long could the tiny one last?

SPCA staff rang me within minutes and noted this incident, sending their staff down without further ado. Getting the dog's attention, I tried to lead it to the edge of the high river wall so it had a better chance of survival. A kind lady also helped and tried to see if we could find any dragon boaters who could reach for the dog but there was none.

By now, the dog had been in water for a good 40 minutes. It went under the water as it no longer had the strength. But this boy was a fighter! It came up using whatever little strength it had to continue to swim by the edge. Luckily, it found a little edge by the high wall to rest. The tide was rising fast. I needed a tall ladder and went around to ask if the security guard near the construction site had one. But he couldn't find any.

Desmond from SPCA came around soon after and he was composed unlike myself. He lay down by the edge of the high wall and within minutes, fished up the dog using nothing but the leash. By this time, a couple living around the vicinity also brought down their towel so that we could keep the dog warm.

After the dog had settled down, Desmond brought the rescued dog back to SPCA.

I want to thank all the people who helped in saving a precious life especially the staff of SPCA. Many times, we belittle the contribution of the staff who work to prevent the cruelty of animals. How many of us know and appreciate that they also put themselves at risk when they are rescuing animals?

A BIG thank you from voices who couldn't utter human language.