Dog saves owner from drowning in River Wye with piggy back

A drowning man was saved by his dog when the Labrador gave him a piggy back after he fell into the River Wye.

Pete Alderson was rescued by his daughter's brown Labrador Wispa and his neighbour Martin Green after falling into the river at Hunderton while out walking.

SEE ALSO: Dog sparks major search for man in Loch Ness

SEE ALSO: Incredible dog rescue caught on camera after pup gets trapped by raging river

The 73-year-old was walking Wispa and his brother-in-law's black Labrador George when they both went into the water.

Dad-of-two Pete started to walk down a track to get closer to call them back but slipped and fell into the River Wye near his home.

Pete, who cannot swim, began to drown after he panicked when he swallowed water with his mouth open.

But just as he started to slip into unconsciousness he realised seven-year-old Wispa was paddling near him. Pete managed to grab on to the lifesaving dog who quickly swam towards the shore.

He was able to cling on to some reeds and the bank.

According to the Express, Pete's neighbour Martin Green, 47, heard the commotion and rushed to the scene to help keep Pete afloat.

Once on the shore, he was taken to Hereford County Hospital where he was treated for hypothermia.

Speaking to the Hereford Times, he said: "I was quite a way out from the bank. I remember going down and I was panicking.

"I had flashes through my mind that I would never see my wife or my grandchildren again and went into a sort of unconsciousness."

Pete has since made a full recovery.

He added: "I have made sure I gave the dogs plenty of fuss and bought them treats and bones to say thank you. She is a real-life Lassie."