For the story that goes with this gallery, please see Rescue team plucks dog from Chewuch River. To view photos as a full-size gallery, click on one of the small thumbnail images.
Reader Steve Mitchell also gave permission to share his photos of the event – visit his Facebook gallery to see what he saw. And reader Zane Stanbery was on hand to capture video that can be viewed on YouTube.
Paul Picolet’s Ford F-150 rolled into the Chewuch River in Winthrop at about 11 a.m. on May 31. It had been parked in a lot behind the Tenderfoot store. Picolet’s dog, Jessie, was in the bed of the pickup and rode out the truck’s plunge into the river. Photo by Don Nelson
Paul Picolet’s Ford F-150 rolled into the Chewuch River in Winthrop at about 11 a.m. on May 31. It had been parked in a lot behind the Tenderfoot store. Picolet’s dog, Jessie, was in the bed of the pickup and rode out the truck’s plunge into the river. Photo by Don Nelson
Jessie stayed in the pickup truck’s bed while awaiting rescue. Photo by Don Nelson
Vikki Buzzard of the county’s Swiftwater Rescue Team began coordinating a rescue effort when she arrived at the scene. Photo by Don Nelson
Jessie showed no inclination to leave the truck. Photo by Don Nelson
Jessie showed no inclination to leave the truck. Photo by Don Nelson
Paul Picolet climbed back up the riverbank after telling Jessie to “stay.” Photo by Don Nelson
Members of the Swiftwater Rescue Team get ready to go after Jessie. Photo by Don Nelson
The team carries an inflatable raft down to the Chewuch River on the west side of the Highway 20 bridge. Photo by Don Nelson
The team carries an inflatable raft down to the Chewuch River on the west side of the Highway 20 bridge. Photo by Don Nelson
A crowd watched the rescue effort from the Highway 20 bridge over the Chewuch River in Winthrop. Photo by Don Nelson
A rescue team member waited downstream with a safety rope in case it became necessary. Photo by Don Nelson
Vikki and Ottis Buzzard head downstream in the rescue raft. Photo by Don Nelson
Ottis Buzzard gives hand-signal directions to rescue team members who were handling guide ropes from the riverbank. Photo by Don Nelson
Vikki and Ottis Buzzard near the truck as Jessie watches. Photo by Don Nelson
Vikki and Ottis Buzzard near the truck as Jessie watches. Photo by Don Nelson
Vikki Buzzard beckons Jessie, who doesn’t respond. Photo by Don Nelson
After retrieving Jessie, Vikki Buzzard hands the dog off to Ottis Buzzard. Photo by Don Nelson
Vikki and Ottis Buzzard get Jessie settled in the rescue raft. Photo by Don Nelson
Vikki and Ottis Buzzard keep Jessie close as the raft is pulled to shore. Photo by Don Nelson
Jessie is eager to leave the raft and be back on solid ground. Photo by Don Nelson
Jessie’s first order of business: shake off all that water. Photo by Don Nelson
Paul Picolet thanks Vikki Buzzard for rescuing Jessie as Ottis Buzzard keeps an eye on the raft and river. Photo by Don Nelson
Vikki Buzzard and Paul Picolet welcome Jessie back. Photo by Don Nelson
Paul Picolet watches Jessie as she keeps her distance from the water. Photo by Don Nelson
Vikki Buzzard and Paul Picolet welcome Jessie back. Photo by Don Nelson
Vikki Buzzard and Paul Picolet welcome Jessie back. Photo by Don Nelson
Vikki Buzzard chats with Paul Picolet as she begins to coil one of the ropes used in the rescue. Photo by Don Nelson
Paul Picolet and Jessie get reacquainted as Vikki Buzzard looks on. Photo by Don Nelson
Lindsay Picolet, Paul Picolet’s sister, gets a happy hug from Jessie. Bill McAdow of Okanogan County Fire District 6, one of the rescue team members, is in the background. Photo by Don Nelson
Reader Steve Mitchell also gave permission to share his photos of the event with you.
