Dog rescued from Maumee River is euthanized

Washington Township firefighter Rob Bodi was among area rescuers who plucked this dog from ice on the Maumee River in December.

River, the chow mix dog rescued off of the Maumee River just days before Christmas, was euthanized Friday morning at the Toledo Area Humane Society.

Executive Director John Dinon said his organization euthanized the female chow mix because of its neurological issues and demonstrated aggression towards cats, dogs, and sometimes humans.

"We felt her neurological conditions would lead her to having a poor quality of life," Mr. Dinon said, adding that River also failed a temperament test. "We do not adopt out or transfer aggressive dogs."

After the dramatic night-time rescue on Dec. 21, the dog was originally taken to the Lucas County Dog Warden and deemed unadoptable because of severe neurological issues. She was then transferred to the Toledo Area Humane Society on Dec. 31 for further evaluation.

River was was believed to be about 1 1/2 years old.

"The staff of the Toledo Area Humane Society are deeply saddened by the fact that we were not able to save this dog," Dinon said.