Florida Yorkshire Terrier Attacked By Shark, Miraculously Survives
Maddie, the 9-year-old Yorkie. source: telegraph.co.uk
A Yorkshire terrier is thought to have survived a shark attack after not appealing to the shark’s taste.
Maddie, a nine-year-old Yorkie, fell off her owner’s boat off the northeast coast of Florida, losing her balance. After disappearing briefly, the dog resurfaced with multiple bite wounds, a broken pelvis, and significant bruising.
The incident occurred as Bill and Terri Hoge were sailing back to the dock in St. Augustine. In a situation reminiscent of the movie “The Meg,” where a shark targets a Yorkshire terrier, Maddie was seen struggling in the water.
Artistic rendition of the scene that played out
“We turned the boat around. We were looking for her and then she popped up and was swimming… As we approached her and pulled up next to her, she disappeared,” Mr. Hoge told News 4 Jax.
Ms. Hoge described the terrifying moment: “It seemed like an eternity, but it was like 10 seconds that she was under, and, of course, I’m freaking out. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ll never see her again’.”
After Maddie resurfaced, Mr. Hoge jumped into the water to rescue her. Upon pulling her back into the boat, they saw she was bleeding heavily and rushed her to an emergency veterinary clinic for treatment.
“The vet found six deep puncture wounds in one thigh, heavy bruising on the other, and a pelvis broken in three places,” Mr. Hoge explained.
Initially, the couple thought Maddie’s injuries were caused by the boat’s propeller. However, the vet determined that the wounds were more consistent with a shark attack.
“The vet told us she contacted colleagues around the country, and they all agreed it was likely a shark,” Mr. Hoge said.
The team of veterinarians believes the shark had bitten Maddie’s rear and shook her underwater, which caused the pelvic fractures. They explained that if it had been the boat’s propeller, it likely would have cut the small 5.5 kg dog in half.
The family suspects the shark released Maddie because of her unfamiliar furry texture, and they believe her struggle may have helped her escape.
Mr. Hoge speculated that it was likely a young bull or lemon shark, as a fully-grown shark may not have allowed Maddie to survive.
Bull sharks, known for their aggressive nature, can grow up to 12 feet, while lemon sharks typically reach between 8 to 10 feet. Both species are frequently seen in the area.
“It’s incredible that she was able to resurface and keep her head above water after the attack,” Mr. Hoge told Fox News.
Maddie is now recovering at home, but she remains in significant pain, he added.
The incident has raised concerns about the presence of sharks near harbors, prompting local authorities to advise pet owners to be cautious around waterways.
Artistic rendition depicting a Yorkie which fell off a boat.