GRIPPING scenes of a dog being rescued while it struggles to survive at the bottom of a well are bringing tears to the eyes of animal lovers around the world. More than 3 million people have watched the tense footage as the terrified dog slowly clambers on to slippery rocks in a despairing attempt to stay alive.

With only minutes to spare, a brave animal rescuer puts on a hard-hat, rigs up safety harness and lowers himself 70ft into the murky waters to save the petrified animal.

Footage of the rescue was placed on You Tube this week by Animal Aid Unlimited to universal applause.

The charity, based at Udaipur, described how the terrified dog seemed to understand how her rescuer, known only as Ganpat, was there to “make her desperate wish come true”.

Since its foundation in 2002, Animal Aid Unlimited has worked with the people of Udaipur to rescue more than 45,000 injured or ill dogs, cows, donkeys, birds and cats, and its latest operation highlights how emergency teams are ready to respond to any creature in need.

The tense video shows the golden-coated dog looking up with troubled eyes, her paws repeatedly slipping on the damp rocks while trying to stay afloat.

As she forlornly doggie-paddles, the camera focuses of Ganpat, wearing a blue hardhat and carrying what appears to be a giant fishing net.

Explaining what happened, the charity says: “It looked like she’d been struggling in the water, trying to stay alive, for hours. She repeatedly grasped with claws we later found were bleeding, trying desperately to hold on to the only jagged piece of rock she could find.

“She was rapidly losing her strength, and as her rescuer Ganpat descended the 70 foot well, we could see that she was minutes away from giving in to her exhaustion.

“When he reached the water she clearly seemed to understand that this is the man who will save her life…”

After being lowered into the water, Ganpat takes little time in gently easing the dog into the net and is then hauled back to the surface by rope to be rushed by motorbike back to the charity’s headquarters so she can undergo veterinary checks.

Apart from bleeding paws, the dog appears to be none the worse for an escapade that could easily have claimed her life. The video finishes with the dog relaxing and being comforted with gentle strokes.

Animal lovers have applauded the rescue operation, with one viewer echoing the words of the millions who have watched the YouTube video, by saying: “That broke my heart, seeing her clinging to the wall. You could see her desperation in eyes. She was so frightened.

“Thank you all for being there when she needed help. You are all wonderful and devoted to rescuing animals. God bless you all.”

Describing its work, the charity says by providing a rescue line and shelter for animals in need, it is also inspiring the community to help.

The charity said: “Action that though small at first, maybe just a phone call on our helpline, is the first step for someone on the road of becoming the person that animals desperately need.

“Our ultimate goal is equality and protection of all animals and a complete end to the use and abuse of animals.

“We are working for the day that every dog, donkey, cow, pig, fish and mouse can live their lives in freedom.”

The article has been reproduced from www.express.co.uk