Lost dog found alive 36 hours after boating accident: “We are overjoyed”

CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCSC) – Thirty-six hours after he disappeared in a boating accident, a family was reunited with their beloved golden retriever after he crossed the Ashley River.

It was Sunday night when Jeff Wiseman was taking his year-and-a-half-old golden retriever, Rocky, for a boat ride on the Ashley River. Jeff, distracted by his phone, said he accidentally drove into an abandoned concrete dock, causing both Jeff and Rocky to be swept into the water.

“It was just a moment of really careless driving that almost cost us the win,” said Jeff.

About a half mile south of Dolphin Cove Marina, Jeff swam to shore in search of Rocky, but he was nowhere to be seen.

Authorities quickly arrived at the scene to help search for Rocky and to take Jeff to the hospital after he broke seven ribs in the accident. But the search for Rocky was still unsuccessful.

“I was afraid he was hurt, suffering somewhere, or dead,” Jeff said. “I mean the sadness and guilt you feel when a moment of carelessness could have hurt or killed you and your buddy like that.”

Jeff’s wife, Kim, quickly posted on Facebook, asking boaters to keep an eye out for Rocky in the water or on the shore.

The social media post went viral throughout the Lowcountry, and everyone near and far was concerned for Rocky’s safety.

“I don’t think we realized how far the news had spread,” Kim said. “I mean, we were just overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by how far it had spread and how many people were looking for him.”

The search initially focused on the right side of the Ashley River, as that is where the accident occurred.

“People were out there on jet skis, kayaks, boats; there were drones everywhere, and when they didn’t see him in the water, it actually gave us some hope that maybe he had made it to land,” Jeff said.

Then, 36 hours later, on Tuesday morning, Rocky was spotted across the Ashley River chasing a raccoon on a West Ashley couple’s dock.

“We can’t believe it. We really prepared for the worst and this is the best outcome we could have hoped for,” Kim said.

Both Wisemans say the life jacket easily saved Rocky’s life.

“Everyone is talking about going online and ordering life jackets for their dogs. That’s an important lesson to learn,” Kim said.

Rocky is now at home with an ankle injury and is completely exhausted, but is recovering well.

The Wisemans say they are extremely grateful to everyone in the Lowcountry who helped spread the word about Rocky. They hope this story can inspire more dog owners to purchase life jackets and promote boater safety.

“We never expected or imagined how the community, how the Lowcountry came together and stood up for Rocky,” Kim said. “They didn’t know us, they didn’t know Rocky, but everyone seemed to come together to save a little dog. It was so heartwarming and we are just so grateful.”

All rights reserved.