Jet Ski Worker Saves Drowning Dog in Fort Lauderdale

When Travis Howe got the call that a dog was drowning in Fort Lauderdale's waters, he didn't hesitate for a second.

The Jet Ski FL employee was launching watercraft with his boss Jon Rosen on Thursday afternoon when a customer frantically reported a German Shepherd struggling in the water. The dog had been fighting the current for several minutes and couldn't make it back to shore.

Howe jumped on a jet ski and raced to the exhausted animal. Video captured the moment he pulled the German Shepherd onto the watercraft, where the dog collapsed against him in relief.

"When I found it, there was a coconut in his mouth," Howe said. "He was gasping for breath. I pull him up and he was just resting right on me."

People watching from shore had been unable to reach the struggling dog themselves. When Howe brought the German Shepherd safely back to land, they erupted in applause.

Rosen immediately dubbed his employee "Super Trav" after witnessing the rescue. But for Howe, saving animals is just part of who he is.

"If I see anything, if I see a cat, an iguana, I see it struggling, I'm going to take it out of the water and put it up on land," Howe said with a laugh.

Sunny's Take

This story captures everything beautiful about people who truly care. Howe didn't think twice about helping a creature in distress, and his natural compassion extends to any animal that needs rescue.

The team at Jet Ski FL worked with another boat company to track down the dog's grateful owner. Investigators believe the adventurous German Shepherd jumped into the water while chasing that fateful coconut, and it took some time before the owner realized their pet was missing.

Thanks to Howe's quick response and genuine love for animals, one family got their furry friend back safe and sound. Sometimes being a hero is simply being ready to help when the moment calls for it.