Man swept to sea while trying to save dog
POINT REYES, Calif. (AP) - A man has been swept to sea and drowned while trying to save his dog hit by a rogue wave on a Northern California beach.
The Coast Guard says the man and his wife were walking on the beach near Point Reyes on New Year's Day when a wave overtook the dog. Point Reyes is a popular tourist destination about 30 miles northwest of San Francisco.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports the couple went into the water to rescue the dog but the man was swept away.
His body was found about three hours later.
The wife and dog made it safely to shore.
Names haven't been released.
In November, three people drowned in roiling surf while trying to save their dog at Big Lagoon state beach near Arcata.
The Coast Guard says the man and his wife were walking on the beach near Point Reyes on New Year's Day when a wave overtook the dog. Point Reyes is a popular tourist destination about 30 miles northwest of San Francisco.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports the couple went into the water to rescue the dog but the man was swept away.
His body was found about three hours later.
The wife and dog made it safely to shore.
Names haven't been released.
In November, three people drowned in roiling surf while trying to save their dog at Big Lagoon state beach near Arcata.
Not trying to be glib here, and I think it's just tragic the man lost his life.... but isn't it so often the case that whenever a dog gets swept out to sea like this, it's usually the owner who is killed and the dog makes it safely back to shore?
Don't think I could just sit and do nothing if my pet was in danger either. Very tragic he didn't make it but you gave it all for your pet. Very admirable. Â
I love my dog but I'm pretty sure she's a better swimmer than I am - I'm the worst. The dog always seems to make it through, partly because they don't panic I would imagine. RIP dear man and condolences to his human family.Â
I think it would be very hard not to go in after your dog.. I feel sad for the family..Â
For those of younthat feel that your dog is worth jumping in and saveing just remember about 98% of the dogs make it back to shoreand only about 50% of the people in these stories. While I feel the same the rest of the pack needs me also. Before you jump in get suited up for the rescue rather than becoming the one that needs the rescue.
 @bustedupredneck Many years ago, when I took instruction for advanced lifesaving, the first rule we were taught is "Don't become a victim yourself." That seems just as appropriate when the one needing rescued is an animal.
Sad. RIP My pack is my family and I would do anything to save them.
It seems obvious not to put your life in danger to save a pet, but like Wolfen said they are like children and naturally we would want to save them. RIP
 @SoTweetie How true. I think for many of us, it would be our first impulse. Pets are a part of our family.
R.I.P. man. I would have done the same thing. I love my dog like I do my children, and I'd jump in for any of them. Condolences to his wife and best friend.
@Wolfen  As would I. My dog Zoey is pretty special to me.
 @scared_citizen My dog is my dog. She is part of the family, but i no way takes front seat to my wife and kids. If she is in mortal danger, I would do what I can, but there is no way I'm going to sacrifice my children's ability to have a father over a pet.
I've read enough of these stories now to know NOT to go after the dog. They always make it. The owners don't. So very sad.