Angel the service dog rescued from freezing canal

Angel the service dog definitely seems to have her very own guardian angel looking out for her! The poor pup slipped and fell into the freezing Pawtucket Canal and was separated from her blind owner Thursday afternoon. While Angel was guiding her 62-year-old owner George Regis around 735 Broadway Street, she slipped in a muddy area that was sans a fence and fell into the Pawtucket Canal. The 12-year-old chocolate lab was swept off its feet and went down the canal, but luckily firefighters quickly responded and followed the current. Lt. Dave Keene and Firefighter Justin Ly were able to rescue Angel by placing a neck collar to secure her.

Thankfully for Angel, routinely walking eight miles a day just may have saved her life. Otherwise, there might not have been a happy ending for the sweet service dog and her blind owner. They have been by each others&rsquo- side for 12 years!

&ldquo-The current was going real fast, but I knew she was in good shape walking so much each day,&rdquo- said Regis. embracing his shivering service dog at 2:30 p.m. &ldquo-I knew she was a good swimmer.

&ldquo-I&rsquo-m just thrilled to get her back,&rdquo- he added.

&ldquo-That&rsquo-s the first time that happened in 12 years and hopefully not again,&rdquo- Regis said.

Thankfully this story has its happy ending, and both Angel and Regis are safe and healthy. Deservedly, Angel is now one of the most popular dogs in Lowell.