Ochoco Reservoir swimmer rescue becomes dog rescue

A report of a man swimming with a dog at Ochoco Reservoir and calling for help brought Crook County sheriff’s deputies to the rescue Thursday. And while the man got to shore on his own, they did end up making a rescue — of the struggling dog.

Deputies were dispatched around 12:40 p.m., but by the time they got there, the 22-year-old man, Jeremy Vargo, was back on shore and did not need any medical attention, Undersheriff James Savage said.

Vargo told deputies he lives at an RV park across the street and his neighbor’s dog got loose, swam out onto the reservoir and got in trouble. Savage said Vargo swam out to try to save the dog but couldn’t reach it before having to return to shore.

He said the dog was still in the water somewhere, and deputies using binoculars spotted the brown Lab, still struggling in the middle of the reservoir, Savage said.

Detective Mitch Madden quickly headed to the reservoir boat launch, where a citizen agreed to assist with their private boat.

Madden and the citizen were guided by deputies on land to the 100-pound chocolate lab and brought the tired but unhurt dog to shore for a reunion with its owner.

The situation turned out well “but could have easily been tragic,” Savage said in a news release. “We would like to remind people to enjoy the water but respect it” — and to use a boat in such rescue situations wherever possible.”