Buddy Ackerman was startled when he heard his daughter’s dog, Osi, squealing in their backyard. The 75-year-old was dog-sitting for her daughter, who went on a vacation. The Golden retriever was doing his business in the yard when a 7-foot alligator got him.
Osi had wandered near the pond when the alligator lunged at him. The gator bit Osi on his backside and never let go. When Ackerman saw what had transpired, he immediately grabbed Osi. Ackerman pulled Osi with all his might while the gator held its ground.
Ackerman slipped and fell during the commotion but was determined to rescue his daughter’s dog. Kicking the gator on its snout several times, it finally opened its mouth and freed the large dog. Ackerman believed that if Osi was of a smaller breed, it could have ended tragically.
The story has prompted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservative Commission to be extra cautious with their dogs, especially if they happened to be living near bodies of water. They also said that families with dogs should prevent their dogs from playing, swimming, or drinking near the water that could have alligators lurking underneath. Although the ordeal left Osi a little sore and Ackerman shaken, both are doing great. The following day, trappers came to remove the gator safely.
Ackerman did a great job of protecting Osi from certain death. It could have been a dangerous situation for the man and his dog. Ackerman could have just called the authorities for help, but he knew Osi would have never made it by that time. Sacrificing his safety, Ackerman did what he had to do. He loved Osi very much and felt he should do everything to protect his daughter’s dog no matter what.
Source ABC Action News via YouTube
