Woman Who Spotted LA River Rescue Dog “Immediately Wanted to Take Him Home”

Lucky was airlifted out of the Los Angeles River in a dramatic LAFD helicopter rescue

A dog that was plucked from the rushing Los Angeles River in a dramatic helicopter rescue was adopted Thursday by the woman who first saw him in trouble.

Rachel Dalby spotted the animal, who has been named Lucky, being swept along by the current as she watched from a bridge near Burbank. She alerted the authorities and followed the Welsh corgi mix from her car before he was finally saved by a firefighter lowered down from a helicopter in Griffith Park Friday.

"The moment I saw him in the river I immediately wanted to take him home," Dalby said, "I think I mentioned it at one point to one of the dispatch officers, who said, 'Let's get him rescued first.'"

Since his rescue, she had been checking every day on the pooch, who is estimated to be between 6 or 7 years old, and was counting the days until she could take in the pet. There is a mandatory five-day waiting period so owners can claim lost animals before they are adopted.

Dalby said she spent a sleepless night before heading to the shelter Thursday morning.

"It's been a waiting game... (with) building excitement as the day comes closer," Darby said, "I'm looking forward to giving him a safe and loving home and getting him settled in."

Darby picked up Lucky at the shelter Thursday morning and said she plans to go on a shopping spree for toys and other items. She will be retaining his now famous moniker.

"He is doing great, he has bounced back from his ordeal," LA Animal Services Director Jan Selder said. "He is an awesome dog. He is potty trained, walks on a leash and puts his head on your lap when you pet his head, which means he had a home."

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