The team at Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue is used to dropping everything when an animal might be in danger. Day after day, they respond to calls about injured wildlife, trapped birds, and pets that need help. So when several messages came in about a dog lying face down in a ditch, no one hesitated. The callers were worried. The dog wasn’t moving, and it looked wrong.
A group of water rescue volunteers set off right away. They knew how quickly a situation like that could turn serious. Within about twenty minutes, they reached the spot, focused and ready to help.
Then came the surprise.
What looked like a dog in trouble wasn’t alive at all. It was a lifelike statue placed in the ditch, so convincing that more than one person believed it was real. By the time the volunteers arrived, a staff member already on site had figured it out and pulled the statue out.
Later, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue shared the moment online with good humor, explaining that the “dog” everyone was worried about turned out to be a statue that had already been rescued.
Even though there was no animal to treat, the team wasn’t frustrated. Instead, they thanked the people who had reached out. From their point of view, it’s always better to be called for nothing than to miss a real animal in pain. The fact that people cared enough to stop, look closely, and ask for help mattered more than the mix-up.
One of the team members shared that it’s actually a relief when no animal needs saving. Still, they were touched by how alert and compassionate the community was. Knowing that people are watching out for animals makes their work easier and more meaningful.
The rescue center used the story to show just how quickly their volunteers respond, no matter the situation. Even a false alarm proves that they are ready at any moment.
More than anything, the incident shows how important everyday people are in protecting animals. Those calls came from concern, not carelessness. That kind of attention and kindness helps build safer communities for animals and humans alike.
.jpg)
There was no real rescue that day, but the heart behind it was real. And when the next call comes in, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue will be ready, just as they always are.