BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A Brevard County Sheriff’s Office deputy recently saved her K-9 partner from almost certain death, preventing the dog from falling off of a 75-foot-tall bridge.
K-9 Deputy Lauren Donaldson was walking her leashed law enforcement partner, Zeppelin, back to her vehicle following what the sheriff’s office described as a critical incident resulting in a fluid scene and felony arrest on the 528 Causeway above the Indian River.
Suddenly, as was captured on video shared Thursday, Zeppelin leapt over the bridge’s guardrail.
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Donaldson held on tight to save her K-9 partner from the plunge, the video shows. Instead of sinking like a zeppelin of the lead variety, Donaldson’s K-9 companion made it up and back over the railing as the deputy braced herself and heaved on his leash.
The sheriff’s office commended the feat on social media, noting that Zepplelin’s breed — Belgian Malinois — averages around 75 pounds in weight, with Donaldson herself weighing 122 pounds “when she is soaking wet.”
Lauren and “Zeppelin” are two time reigning champions in the “Hardest Hitting K-9” category of the Space Coast K-9 Competition and I could not be more proud of Lauren for all she does as a member of our team and to protect our community!! I’m still mad at “Zeppelin” for giving us all a huge scare, but am so grateful that he is okay and unharmed!!
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Facebook statement | 5:59 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024 (excerpt)
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