A missing Golden retriever has been reunited with its owners after a separation of 16 days.
New Jersey State Police conducted a water rescue Tuesday morning after they received a report of a dog swimming in Barnegat Bay.
Troopers Ryan Koehler and Vincent Ferdinandi joined the rescue in a boat and located Chunk, 3, who was in the water near the Mantoloking Bridge, about 45 miles southeast of Trenton.
The troopers escorted the pup safely to shore and a picture of the dog reunited with its owners was shared on Facebook by the New Jersey State Police. “Chunk, who is three years old, was missing for more than two weeks,” they wrote. “Needless to say he was ecstatic to be reunited with his grateful owners.”
State Police Locate Missing Golden Retriever in Barnegat Bay
Earlier this morning, Troopers Ryan Koehler and Vincent…
Posted by New Jersey State Police on Tuesday, 22 June 2021
The dog ran off from its owners Marie and Jim Zangara on June 6 while playing on a beach at F-Cove, which is a popular gathering place for boaters in Brick Township. Ferdinandi said two joggers on the Mantoloking Bridge spotted Chunk on Tuesday, but when they tried to grab him, he jumped back in the water.
The pup swam nearly two miles across the bay before police rescued him. Jim noted the canine was exhausted and had “lost 20 pounds.” His family is relieved to find their beloved Chunk was alive. “I’m just over the moon. I’m just so happy to have him back,” Marie said.