Boy rescues pet dog from lake

IPSWICH pet owner Max Cutting is today proof that dogs really are a man's best friend.

The brave nine-year-old has shown just how much he loves his cocker spaniel Alfie by risking his own safety to save his pet.

Max had taken Alfie to Needham Lake when the dog got into trouble in the water, unable to get up the side of the lake.

Max spotted Alfie panicking and beginning to drown so rushed to help.

The Henley Primary School pupil laid down on his stomach, got his four-year-old cousin to hold onto his feet and grabbed Alfie and pulled him to safety.

Max, of Morgan Drive, said: “I couldn't get to him at first. I was grabbing at him and he was trying to get to me but he was panicking so it was hard.

“I could feel myself slipping into the water but I didn't care. All I could think about was getting him back.

“When I finally got him I gave him a big hug and I've been giving him lots of attention since.”

The drama happened on Tuesday when Alfie was on a day out with his grandmother Margaret Cutting.

Max's mother Lucy Cutting said: “I am so proud of Max for being so brave.

“No one told him to do it. It was all off his own back.

“He stayed calm and wouldn't give up even when he started slipping in the water himself.

“We've had Alfie for around 18 months and Max is very close to him.”

A spokesman for Thames and Walton coastguard said Max was brave, but warned people against endangering themselves to help animals.

He said: “Our advice would be to dial 999, ask for the coastguard and keep the animal under observation.

“It's foolhardy to endanger yourself. Dogs can usually get out of these situations, no matter how strong the current.”

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