Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
DOG FRIGHTENED BY
SKATEBOARD
JUMPS INTO ALA WAI CANAL
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October 16, 2008. It was night time, and there were a few people still walking their dogs in the evening trade wind at about 7:00 p.m. along the Ala Wai Canal. A lady was walking her dog as usual when suddenly a skateboarder came barreling down the sidewalk and making a loud noise. The timid elderly dog became so frightened that he broke out of his collar, and jumped into the Ala Wai Canal.
"I called 911," the lady said, "and the Fire Department came right away to help." Fortunately, the Fire Station is only a few blocks away near the library. However, no one could see the dog because of the darkness of the water, and the dog was so frightened that it actually swam away.
Noises such as the skateboard can frighten a dog because their hearing is so acute, and, the loud noises are magnified.
Along came someone in a canoe, and helped with the search, but no dog in sight.
The firemen then got back in the truck, turned on the siren and drove around to the other side of the Ala Wai. Shortly thereafter, we could see the lights on the other side, and we prayed . . .
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
The Ala Wai Canal is popular for jogging, dog walking, and canoeing, Bikes and skateboards are not allowed on the sidewalks, but everyone does it. Sometimes $50 fines are issued, but the bikers say: "The streets are so dangerous, it's worth risking the fine to ride on the sidewalk."
The problem, however, is that there is no guardrail to prevent someone from falling in, or -- jumping in, and the bikes and skateboards make it even more risky.
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
Recently, a regular jogger along the Ala Wai said that he saw a stingray in the Canal, which is about three blocks from Waikiki Beach. And, after the full moon, the venomous jellyfish begin populating the Canal.
The sign on the steps warn of the danger of swimming in the polluted Ala Wai and no fishing or eating the contaminated fish in the Canal. However, many men, ladies, and children fish there. Often it appears to be serious business because of the large quantity in the pails and they most probably are selling their catch of fish, lobster, and so forth to restaurants and grocery stores. I have asked them, "Are you eating that contaminated fish?" They always answer "no."
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
"I would be afraid to get in that water," said an onlooker. "There's a lot of dangerous things in there. I feel sorry for that dog."
I, myself, saw a large group of fish-like creatures in the Alai Wai Canal and they were altogether furiously tearing into an edible large object, and their "behavior" looked like those man-eating piranhas that I have seen in movies. Regular breeds of fish just don't do things like that! Maybe that's why they tell us not to swim in the Alai Wai Canal, as once it becomes infested with piranhas . . .
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
At night, the Ala Wai looks void and ominous.
The police and several firemen stayed with the lady while she stood looking out with hope onto the water which was totally dark. Nothing could be seen except flashlights all the way on the other side of the Ala Wai where the firemen were searching.
The silence was eerie. Perhaps, the dog drowned, or got caught on a shopping basket that someone had dumped in there; or he could have been stung by the jellyfish and paralyzed; or some -thing -- something in the dark -- some swamp thing preying from beneath the water -- could have attacked and taken him down; or exhausted and frightened, the elderly little dog could have just given up and succumbed to the beckoning depths.
"They found him!" the lady said. "The firemen found him on the other side!"
"Your dog must be a good swimmer to make it all the way across the Ala Wai," I said.
"I've never seen him swim before," the lady said. "I didn't even know he could do it. I guess all dogs know how to swim. They just know."
Once again, our Hawaii 5-0 Firemen are heroes. Exhausted and still damp from the frightening ordeal, the little dog was returned to the lady by the firemen.
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
The firemen pat the damp and grateful dog on the head.
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
Firemen return the dog, a Sheba breed, to the lady.
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
Safe in loving arms, the lady and the doggie in great joy say:
"Hi World News!
May The WisdomPeace Lightforce
Be With You
and
Bless You
firemen heroes!"
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
Notice the surfboard on the side of the fire truck. Our firemen are Hawaii 5-0 heroes. Thank you for rescuing the little dog from the dangerous Ala Wai Canal.
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2008/5008. All Rights Reserved.
5008 + 1.5 x 10 10 Universal | Chérie Phillips, Editor
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