Deputies rescue dog wearing life jacket from Columbia River

CLARK COUNTY, Wash. — Deputies from Southwest Washington are emphasizing that everyone – including animals -- needs to wear a flotation device when on the water.

Clark County deputies said they were able to rescue a dog, Ollie, after he fell into the Columbia River, because he was wearing a life jacket.

The Sheriff’s Department’s marine unit was called to a report of a canine overboard on Saturday. He had fallen off a sailboat near the North Portland Harbor Range.

When deputies arrived, they found Ollie floating downstream hundreds of yards from the boat.

Deputies said they plucked the tired but happy pup from the river and returned him to his owners.

"It would be great if Ollie could set the standard for everybody and be a great example for everybody to wear their life jackets, because if you're on a boat you could end up overboard at any point in time, whether it’s your doing or someone else’s doing,” said Brett Anderson with the Clark Co. Sheriff's Office Marine Unit.

Deputies said it’s not an uncommon sight to see pets wearing life jackets when out on the water.

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