Setting Sail
Many people like to have their dog accompany them wherever they go. For the more adventurous, dogs may join us for hikes, swims, or other physical activities. Indeed, our dogs like humans require regular exercise for the maintenance of good health, are good companions, and just fun to be with.
Nonetheless, in any new environment, one should be cautious. Sophie Tucker’s sobering story will make you think twice before braving the open sea, especially.
Not to be mistaken for the 20th-century actress, though she shares her name, Sophie Tucker is the cattle dog of Australian Jan Griffith.
Griffith, Sophie, and friends are sailing the Coral Sea along Queensland’s eastern coastline in their yacht when they encounter severe weather. Sophie flings overboard, and the sea swallows her into the abyss. A frantic search amidst raging waters begins. Their efforts are futile. As for the fate of Sophie, Jan assumes the worst.
In Jan and her friend’s minds, the dog drowns. Little did they know, Sohpie swims a daring six miles in shark-infested waters.
Image: (Daily Mail)
Shipwrecked
Fortunately, the new castaway reaches the island of St. Bees. The land is not only lush but also has human and wildlife inhabitants.
Feeding on native goats, Sophie survives a distressing four months. Locals observed what they thought was a dog on the island. Although unconfirmed, the new appearance of dead goats springing up prompted inhabitants to contact rangers.
The news of Sophie on the island reaches Jan, who eagerly awaits her dog’s return. After four months, Sophie arrives by boat with the rangers who retrieved her.
Jan recalls Sophie’s joy upon seeing her family. After being released from her travel crate, Sophie’s excitement was such that she threw herself onto them.
Sophie’s resiliency reminds me of the standard literary trope of man versus nature. An elemental force acts as the antagonist, placing challenges before the protagonist to overcome. In this case, we’re dealing with a dog.
The odds were against Sophie. Those who hear her story are incredulous. How can she survive the threats of the Pacific, sharks chief among them? A dog makes for easy and tempting prey in this instance.
Trying circumstances test ingenuity. Sophie’s story of survival is a prime example. Humans and their furry friends alike are capable of marvelous acts. Welcome home, Sophie.
Source: dailymail.com