OAK VIEW : ‘Hero Dog’ Chosen for Couple’s Rescue

A dachshund puppy who helped save the lives of a Oak View couple trapped in a creek swollen by winter rains was honored as a “hero dog” Tuesday.

Otto became the first dog from Ventura County to receive the Hero Dog Bruce Farrell Award during a ceremony at the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“We usually try to keep it in L.A. County,” SPCA spokeswoman Rose Channer said. “But this was a really exceptional rescue.”

Just 6 months old at the time of the rescue, the persistent pooch, who weighs a mere 10 pounds, roused his sleeping owner and led him to the banks of the San Antonio Creek.

Owner Larry Nass spotted a young couple standing in the open bed of their pickup truck, whistling and yelling for help. The couple, Sandy LaChaine and Leslie Harrison, had been swept into the river in their truck as they drove down East Old Creek Road between Casitas Springs and Oak View.

Nass called 911 and the couple was rescued through the efforts of the Highway Patrol, the Sheriff’s Department and the County Fire Department.

The Hero Dog award was established 11 years ago by Pauline de Farrell in honor of her dog, Bruce, who died after rescuing her from a fire, Channer said.

Otto received a plaque and a $100 gift certificate for veterinary services.