Dog saved from canal

Mike Samplawski, of Kipling Close, was walking his cousin Claire’s dog last Thursday when he suddenly fell into the lock at Chesterfield Canal.

Worksop fire crews immediately rushed to the scene and took over half an hour to rescue the terrified pooch from the lock.

Alfie’s owner, Claire Child, said she was ‘extremely’ grateful to crews for rescuing Alfie.

“If they hadn’t been there at the right time, Alfie wouldn’t be here today,” she said.

“He really is my pride and joy and is like one of the family.”

Claire, who has had four-year-old Alfie since he was a puppy, said he slipped into the canal after trying to chase after a cat.

“I am just glad it wasn’t an icy cold morning like we’ve had this week or it would have been a different story,” she said.

“He has fallen into the canal a few times and I’ve managed to get him out but it’s much more difficult at the lock.”

She added: “Alfie was really anxious when he got home, and Mike was also very shaken. “It just shows you how important it is to keep your dog on a lead when walking near the canal.”

Green watch manager Ian Cooper said crews were giving school safety training at Haggonfields Primary which meant they could get on the scene quickly.

“The dog had been walking a bit too close to the side and he fell in. The canal was almost empty so it was difficult for him to get out,” he said.

“We called the specialist rescue team to come with the boat equipment but luckily we managed to get him out before.”

“He was really shaking because it was so cold and quite frightened but he was very brave and had a good shake when he came out.”

Mr Cooper said the canal is around 4-5 ft deep when empty but can be 10ft deep when full.

“With it getting colder it won’t be long before there’s ice in the canal, so we remind dog owners to keep their pets on a lead and walk away from the edge of the canal,” he said.