Golden retriever avoids firefighters after Boston Harbor ‘joy swim’

Local News

Bailey, an English cream golden retriever often known as the “Queen of the North End,” escaped her harness in the course of the Feast and took an sudden dip within the harbor.

Bailey, an English cream golden retriever often known as the “Queen of the North (End),” determined that the shoreline of Sargent’s Wharf within the North End was the proper launch level for an unsanctioned swim in Boston Harbor on Saturday night.

According to her proprietor Jake Duhaime, a North End resident of eight years who posts beneath the deal with @jaked0713, Bailey escaped her harness alongside the Harborwalk and paddled out into the water, apparently delighted with herself.

Her proprietor? Not a lot.

“It was so embarrassing, but it was also funny at the same time,” the 42-year-old stated in an interview with Boston.com. “It was Goldens being Goldens.”

“I love my neighborhood. So does my dog,” he wrote within the caption of a video documenting the ordeal. “Thankfully when @queenofthenorthend escapes her harness and takes a joyswim in the Harbor, the North End Fire Department knows exactly who she is the moment they arrive. Embarrassing.”

Text overlaid on the video units the scene: “Bailey escaped her harness and is joyswimming in the Harbor. Everyone is amused but her human.”

The video opens with Bailey barking from the water’s edge, on the backside of a mossy stretch of granite slabs.

“I had to call the fire department. During the Feast lol,” the textual content reads.

Firefighters quickly seem, kneeling on the rocks making an attempt to lure Bailey again with treats. One extends a deal with towards her hand.

Bailey, nonetheless, has different concepts.

“She wants them to throw the treats for her to bob,” the video explains.

The rescue effort finally will get extra hands-on.

“Getting an escort up to the dock! But doesn’t want to swim on her own,” the caption reads, as a firefighter wades into shallow water and leads Bailey — now again in her harness and leash — towards the dock.

But when he tries to coax her additional into the water, she refuses.

“Let’s try this way,” the textual content reads, because the firefighter makes an attempt to stroll up the rocky incline as a substitute.

That doesn’t work, both.

Finally, the firefighter wades into the water, Bailey in a single arm, and carries her towards the dock. He tosses the leash as much as two colleagues ready above.

“Finally gets some help onto the dock. Thanks to the North End FD (Engine 1),” in accordance with the video. With some finagling, the firefighters haul Bailey up on the dock and to security.

The Boston Fire Department didn’t instantly return requests for remark in time for publication.

On Bailey’s Instagram web page a submit shared Sunday night included an obvious post-swim photograph with a caption: “Went for a swim. Was rescued against my will. 10/10 would recommend.”

Dumaine stated he even thanked the Boston Fire Department Engine 8 by hand-delivering some orders of hen parmesan from Pappare Ristorante and Bar on Sunday “as a token of my gratitude.”

“I made sure the dog came with me to make that delivery,” he stated.

The feedback of @jaked0713’s video are filled with humorous quips about Bailey and the rescue response.

“The question is: how many grown men does it take to get one large dog out of the water?!” one commenter requested.

And one commenter was firmly on Team Bailey: “I’m mean, I’m sorry to be laughing, but what absolutely golden behavior. I mean, why did everyone show up and ruin her day? She was having a blast.”

Another commenter from Bailey’s Instagram submit wrote: “Does not regret any of it. Would probably do it again. Hilarious.”

The expertise, whereas barely embarrassing, has made Duhaime grateful for his neighborhood and group.

“It speaks to the nature of the North End … you know your neighbors and you have a very strong sense of community, and you understand that people go out of their way to help each other,” he stated.