Man punches shark to save pet dog
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
AP2008
Greg LeNoir checks on his dog Jake in Isalmorada, Florida. Jake was attacked by a shark while swimming on Friday. LeNoir punched the shark, which then let go of the dog. Jake is expected to recover. (AP Photo/Miami Herald, Cammy Clark)
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A man has saved his pet dog from a shark attack by jumping into the water and punching the fish in the neck.
Greg LeNoir and his rat terrier Jake were swimming at a Florida Keys marina when the attack happened.
The 53-year-old carpenter said: "I saw a big, dark green shape, which I realised was a big shark's head. It zoomed up from under Jake.
"Jake screamed - a death scream - and it sucked him under. I dove straight down like a battering ram, and I drove my fist under the water into the shark.
"And it pushed him down - it felt like concrete on my hand."
The shark's teeth punctured Jake's skin and some muscle on the dog's abdomen, chest and back. Jake also suffered lacerations on his right side and front left leg.
The incident happened on Friday afternoon when Mr LeNoir took Jake to the Worldwide Sportsman's Bayside Marina pier in Islamorada, Florida for the dog's daily swim.
Mr LeNoir said he was terrified when he saw the shark, but his only thought was saving Jake, who he described as a fast and fearless swimmer, often retrieving jellyfish and coconuts..
"Jake is such a big part of mine and my wife's life - we don't have children," he said. "This is what she considers the closest thing to a child. And I couldn't abandon him."
Mr LeNoir's brother, Phillip, told the Miami Herald: "Jake's doing great. And I still can't believe my brother jumped in the water and punched a shark."
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Comments
24 Comments
Brave and all as this guy is, could he not be prosecuted under the cruelty to animals act?
Posted by Tony Fearon | 20.10.08, 14:03 GMT
saw you on the tv and we are so glad Jake is doing well. We have a dog that is like a child to us also. It is my daughters' snoodle and she is my granddoggy. We wanted to cry just thinking about it!
Posted by Carolyn | 17.10.08, 03:11 GMT
That takes some courage to do. Dogs can be like family sometimes.
Posted by starbucks95905 | 09.10.08, 19:11 GMT
so... the moral of this story is that had someone just jumped in and Punched Jaws, there wouldnt have been sequals??
Posted by Project2401 | 08.10.08, 12:47 GMT
Greg, You absolutely ROCK! I don't know many people that brave. I have a rat terrier as well, and they are so sensitive and loving, and hold such a huge place in the heart. We would love to send you a card, so contact info would be appreciated.
Posted by michel' | 05.10.08, 05:04 GMT
I can see a loldog joke in there somewhere... I just can't grab it.
Oh, and did you know that most sharks are small (dog size or smaller) and not very dangerous. and they HATE being hit in the stomach and in the sides. You can make them all dizzy and run away that way. Ask the dolphins. They defend themselves against even big sharks in that way.
Posted by BAReFOOt | 05.10.08, 02:20 GMT
Greg, you were very brave to go in and get your dog! I would have done the same for my kids, but I don't know about an animal, because you are risking your own life, but it's different when you are in the situation and just go and not react! Congrats to you for your bravery! God bless!
Posted by Lilly | 04.10.08, 06:31 GMT
More power to you and thank God you were there for Jake!!!! I would be horrified if anything happened to one of my "munchkins". Please keep him out of the ocean, tho'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by anna morris | 03.10.08, 18:58 GMT
WOOOOOHOOOOOO For Jake he has such a caring owner who views him as an important part of the family. He is one very lucky doggie and I am glad his wounds aren't life threatening. I hope he isn't scared for his next swim when he wounds are all healed up. Well done Mr LeNoir :)
Posted by Lycia | 03.10.08, 00:46 GMT
one more thing...i hope Mr LeNoir doesn't let Jake swim there again! lesson learned i hope! Jake can swim in a pool.
Posted by jenny | 02.10.08, 23:00 GMT
Mr LeNoir, you're amazing!
Posted by jenny | 02.10.08, 22:55 GMT
most epic thing i've ever heard.
Posted by amber | 02.10.08, 19:59 GMT
I am so happy to hear that little Jake is doing better and will recover.....I have a little Min-Pin that just turned 2, and I cannot have my own children, so I too understand how our pets ARE our children.....God bless you Mr. LeNoir for jumping in, and risking your own life to save Jake's !!! God bless you both and give him a total recovery !!!!
Posted by L. Brees | 02.10.08, 16:16 GMT
I'm happy to hear Jake is going to be ok. I would do the same if my little guy were in trouble and I wouldn't think twice about it!!!
Amen to you...... and bless your heart there should be more people like us. Our pets are our children they bring much joy & happiness to our hearts....I just wish my little guy would have last forever...I miss him dearly. Treasure the moments you have with Jake.
from
An animal lover in Berkeley, Calif.
Posted by Elvira | 02.10.08, 01:51 GMT
Well done, Greg!
Posted by Marcy | 02.10.08, 01:40 GMT
That event must have been a big shock for the shark.
Posted by MARC | 02.10.08, 00:51 GMT
Would love to send Mr. Lenoir a advanced copy of a song( Better with you There ) we are releasing with a portion of the profits going to help pet shleters, rescue agencies etc. Thanks Rich Reising, OHIO
Posted by Richard Reising | 01.10.08, 22:57 GMT
What a fearless thing to do for one's loved pet!! I admire this guy! What a brave little dog.....
Posted by Bev Long | 01.10.08, 21:30 GMT
Is there a way that we can write a personal note to Greg about his heroism and how much we admire is love for his dog. This story brought tears to my eyes.
Posted by Susan | 01.10.08, 21:17 GMT
OMG, my husband and I have a little Jack Russell that looks so much like Jake, I would be so sad if this happened to either of our dogs. We take them on the boat and in the sound here in NWF, I always have this un easy feeling of something like this happening to our pets. Thank goodness for your quick and brave response, I'm sure your little Jake will be forever grateful! So nice to hear about a good outcome.
Posted by The Kidds | 01.10.08, 19:48 GMT
24 Comments