Good Samaritans Respond to Save Dog from Drowning 

May 11, 2025 – Nevada City, CA – Nevada County Sheriff's Office officials report that on the afternoon of May 7, a couple identified as Tiffany and Jason Ramos were hiking on a trail near the South Yuba Fork Bridge in Nevada City when they began hearing whimpering and what Tiffany Ramos described as "a dog crying for help."

They quickly spotted the dog in the river, standing on a rock that was being pummeled by rushing water in the Yuba River. It was evident to the Ramoses that the dog had been swept down the river from an unknown location before making contact with the rock, where she somehow managed to save herself but was now trapped and whimpering. The Ramoses feared the dog would be swept away at any moment and immediately took action to save the dog.

"They had ropes already in their truck and decided they had to do what they could to save the dog," explained Nevada County Sheriff’s Office Supervising Animal Control Officer Stefanie Geckler, who was later dispatched to the scene following multiple 911 calls. "While they successfully retrieved the dog from the rock, the challenging terrain made it difficult to climb back up and they found themselves temporarily stuck."

While the scene was unfolding, another couple reportedly passing through on a motorcycle stopped at the bridge. Like the Ramoses, they quickly discovered the dog and then the couple. By sheer chance, the man operating the motorcycle was reportedly an expert climbing instructor. He leapt into action and helped the Ramoses back up the hill, along with the dog, later identified as Zen.

"The unknown climbing instructor left as I was arriving," recalled Geckler. "I didn’t have a chance to get his name or hear his side of the story, but we are grateful he was there to help, along with the Ramoses and the several people who called 911 once they realized what was happening."

Zen was reunited with her owner at the scene. The owner and his two dogs had been further up the river when Zen disappeared, and the owner began looking for her.

"While we don’t ever recommend people putting their lives in danger, we’d like to thank the Ramoses and the mystery climbing instructor for their willingness to respond to a dangerous situation to save Zen," concluded Geckler.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the community that the Yuba River remains fast flowing and dangerous. Recreating near the riverbanks and in the river should be avoided this time of year. When witnessing an emergency first-hand, the Sheriff’s Office recommends calling 911 and following dispatchers’ instructions for the safety of all involved.

View video here.

Source & photos: Nevada County Sheriff's Office