Colchester hero who saved dog speaks about brave rescue

Rosie, a Rottweiler cross Douge de Bourdeaux, was spotted by passers-by stuck in mud at the King Edward Quay.

Tom Banks, 31, had been out for a walk with his family and two-year-old Tibetan Terrier when he noticed the struggling pup before bravely jumping into the River Colne.

After untangling Rosie from reeds in which she was caught he was able to pull her out of the quay to safety, aided by a rope which was tied around his waist. 

Saviour - Tom saving Rosie from the King Edward quay (Image: Public)

Tom has now spoken out for the first time since the race-against-time rescue. 

He said: "I saw a group of people who I first thought were bird watchers looking at something on the other side of the river.

"I could hear they all sounded distressed and then noticed Rosie stuck amongst the reeds in the river.

"Someone called the fire brigade but seeing as the tide was rising fast I decided to sprint round to the other side of the river, jump down and wade over.

"I decided to jump into the river straight away really, the tide was rising so thought it was now or never.

"Fortunately, someone else was there with a rope that I could put around my waist - I so grateful to have had help."

Rescued - Rosie the dog (Image: K9 Rescue Colchester)

Read More: Resident saves dog chucked in Colchester King Edward quay

Tom jumped into the quay without hesitation, but admits to feeling slightly worried as to how he would get Rosie out once he had reached her.

He continued: "When I jumped into the river I realised she was a lot bigger than she looked from the other side.

"I was a bit concerned that she wouldn't take kindly to me at first but she was absolutely fine.

"I think she could sense I was trying to help her and let me untangle her lead."

After being saved Rosie was taken to a vet and cared for over several nights before being handed to Colchester dog wardens and finally picked up by K9 Colchester Dog Rescue.

Tom added: "It feels really good to have saved Rosie, to be frank. She was super sweet despite all she went through - I am so glad to have done it.

"We gave her lots of treats and after she warmed up she was a very happy dog. She would make anyone an extremely lucky owner."

The centre has started up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help aid Rosie in her recovery and find her a new home. 

To donate to Rosie and K9 Colchester Dog Rescue go to gofundme.com.