A 77-year-old Florida man named Art Auwaerter saved his dog, Rodger, from an alligator attack by bravely jumping on the alligator’s back and pulling up on its upper jaws to free his pet. Despite sustaining injuries, both Auwaerter and Rodger survived the encounter. Auwaerter, a former Olympic weightlifter, credits his physical strength and quick instincts for his ability to rescue Rodger from the jaws of the alligator. He made the split-second decision to intervene when he heard a loud splash and realized that an alligator was attacking his dog while they were by the Caloosahatchee River where they live.
Unfortunately, the peaceful life that Auwaerter usually enjoys with his wife and dog was interrupted by the terrifying incident. Rodger, a 100-pound black Italian mastiff, loves the water and often goes for swims in the river, but the attack occurred when Auwaerter decided to sit in a lawn chair rather than accompany Rodger to the water’s edge. When he heard the splash indicating the attack, Auwaerter rushed to the scene and quickly took action to save Rodger, despite the risks involved. Both Auwaerter and Rodger sustained injuries during the encounter, but they were able to escape and receive medical attention promptly.
After the attack, Auwaerter and Rodger are recovering from their injuries, with Rodger showing a newfound caution around water. The alligator responsible for the attack had to be put down due to its aggressive behavior towards humans. Alligators are common in Florida, and encounters with them are more likely during their mating season in spring and summer when they become more active and visible. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends contacting their Nuisance Alligator Hotline if an alligator poses a threat to people, pets, or property, as they have protocols in place to handle such situations.
Despite the traumatic experience, Auwaerter remains committed to his weightlifting training and plans to compete in national championships. He believes that his strength and fitness resulting from years of weightlifting were crucial in his ability to rescue Rodger from the alligator. Auwaerter’s confidence and physical capabilities were enhanced by his weightlifting regimen, which he attributes to his success in saving his dog and potentially extending his life. The incident highlighted the importance of quick thinking and physical strength in potentially life-threatening situations involving wildlife in Florida.
