Robbinsville Officers Save Dog from Drowning in Backyard Pool

Three Robbinsville Township police officers are being hailed as heroes after rescuing a dog from drowning in a backyard swimming pool on Saturday, May 10. Patrolmen Slininger, Pica, and Meehan responded to a 911 call reporting a dog in distress at a home on Sienna Court, arriving just in time to save the pet from what could have been a tragic outcome, according to New Jersey 101.5.

The officers found the dog, named Zissou, struggling in the water and visibly in distress. According to police reports, Officers Slininger and Pica performed the actual water rescue, pulling the exhausted animal to safety in what authorities described as a critical situation where minutes mattered.

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Quick Response Prevented Tragedy

The emergency call came in as a simple but urgent report of a dog drowning, triggering an immediate response from the Robbinsville Township Police Department. Upon arrival, the officers assessed the situation and acted without hesitation, recognizing that the dog was running out of strength to stay afloat.

“This situation highlights the unpredictable nature of emergency response,” explained Captain Thomas Egan of the Robbinsville Township Police Department. “Our officers never know what type of call they’ll respond to next, but their training prepares them to handle everything from human emergencies to animal rescues,” Egan told The Trentonian in a follow-up interview about the incident.

After pulling Zissou from the pool, the officers determined that the dog, though exhausted and frightened, did not require veterinary attention. They stayed at the scene to ensure the animal was fully recovered from the ordeal before continuing their search for the dog’s owners.

Reuniting Lost Pets with Their Family

The situation became clearer when officers discovered a second dog also loose in the yard. Upon canvassing the neighborhood, they learned that both animals had escaped from their home earlier that day, with the owners actively searching for their missing pets.

“Pet escapes are among the most distressing situations for animal owners,” noted Dr. Jessica Weinberg, a veterinarian at Robbinsville Animal Hospital. “When combined with access to a swimming pool, the situation can quickly become life-threatening, especially for dogs who aren’t strong swimmers or who become disoriented when trying to find an exit from the water,” Weinberg explained to Mercer County Animal Safety Coalition in their summer pet safety awareness campaign.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, thousands of pets drown in residential swimming pools each year, with many incidents occurring when animals are left unsupervised or when they accidentally fall into pools while no one is watching. Experts recommend pool covers, safety fences, or specialized pet ramps to help animals safely exit pools if they fall in.

Gratitude and Recognition

Later that same evening, Zissou and his owners visited the Robbinsville Police Station to personally thank the officers involved in the rescue. Police department social media posts about the incident have garnered hundreds of supportive comments from community members appreciating the officers’ quick thinking and compassion.

“Our officers don’t just serve the human residents of Robbinsville – they’re committed to all members of our community, including the four-legged ones,” noted Police Chief Christopher Nitti. “This incident had a happy ending thanks to the caller who spotted the dog in distress, the dispatcher who quickly processed the emergency, and the officers who responded without hesitation.”

The department shared photos of the reunion on their Facebook page, showing a recovered Zissou meeting with the officers who saved him. The post has since become one of the department’s most engaged social media updates of the year, highlighting the community’s appreciation for positive police interactions.

Water Safety Reminders

The incident serves as a timely reminder of pool safety as warmer weather approaches. Safety experts recommend that pool owners take precautions not only for children but also for pets and wildlife that might access their property.

“Even good swimming dogs can panic if they can’t find the steps to exit a pool,” explained Jennifer Collins, a certified pet safety instructor with Pet Emergency Education. “Installing visible markers near pool exits, using pool alarms that detect unusual water movement, and never leaving pets unsupervised near uncovered pools are all critical safety measures.”

The Robbinsville Township Police Department has used this incident as an opportunity to remind residents about general water safety and the importance of securing their properties to prevent both children and pets from accessing swimming areas unsupervised.

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