Dogs Swept Into Overflowing Culvert as Debby Lashes St. Pete
After Tank, a 100-pound terrier, slipped and fell into a culvert near Tropicana Field, Layla jumped in to help the frightened animal and their owner.
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Two pet terriers out for a rainy walk with their owners Sunday were swept into an overflowing culvert, as Tropical Storm Debby lashed St. Petersburg.
Robert Montgomery and Cory Crosby said Sunday that they were walking their dogs on leashes in a grassy area near Tropicana Park, when one of the dogs slipped and fell into a culvert that runs under I-175 and into Booker Creek in Roser Park.
"The water is normally not that high," Montgomery said. "The water usually looks like it is up to your knees."
Montgomery said that he jumped in to save the 4-year-old Staffordshire Terrier, Tank, who weighs more than 100 pounds. Montgomery grabbed on to Tank as the chest-high rushing waters roared around him.
As he tried to save Tank, 6-year-old Layla – their Rednose Pitbull Terrier – became frantic and jumped into the water, too, apparently to save both of them.
"She's very motherly. She's very smart. She just jumped off the edge to see what she could do," Crosby said.
The two dogs had never tried to jump into the culvert before, even though they visit the area daily.
Everything happened so fast that the men barely had time to think. At that point, Montgomery tried to reach for Layla, too. But he slipped and lost his balance.
The current was so strong that it started to pull Montgomery and both dogs under, sweeping them toward a storm drain that flows under a bridge near I-175.
"I saw them being pulled under and into the canal" that flows into Booker Creek, Montgomery said. Montgomery felt like he could not fight the current either.
Montgomery let go of the dogs to save himself. He watched them slip under the rushing waters, which pulled the dogs toward the large storm drain. He did not see them again.
Montgomery hoisted himself back up to dry land. The two men jumped into their van to cross I-175 and try to follow the waterway.
Sunday afternoon, they walked along the culvert and through Roser Park, where a pickup truck earlier had veered off the road and sunk into the rushing creek. No one was injured in that mishap. Montgomery stopped a police cruiser, asking the officer to keep an eye out for their dogs.
The men followed the creek to the point where it meets Tampa Bay. Booker Creek flows east through the park, under 4th Street and out to Tampa Bay, by USF St. Petersburg.
The men hoped to spot any sign of the dogs, both of whom are microchipped and have black collars with tags. They want them home, even if it is to bury them. "These are very well-behaved, smart dogs," Montgomery said.
The two men are asking that if anyone finds the dogs to contact them at 727-204-7061.
"I think it's a pretty slim chance they're alive. Their best chance seems to be on the other side of I-175" from Tropicana Field, just northwest of Roser Park, near baseball fields.
Montgomery said that he and his partner were given Layla by a friend, when the dog was a puppy. The men got Tank when he was just seven weeks old through an ad on Craigslist.
"It made sense for Layla to try to save Tank. They had always been together," Montgomery said.
Crystal L. Lauderdale
7:28 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
What a sad, sad story. :( Robert and Cory, I hope Layla and Tank are found safe and dry.
nick s
8:08 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
cory and robert keep your head up and hope the best my heart goes out to you
Ken Moore
8:42 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
how sad but why would he walk the dogs so close to the edge and there is a walk way right there I take it he was on the side were the grass is I never would walk and of my dogs near that dangerous area especially in the rain when there is a chance of a slip and fall do to the grass being wet I hope they find the dogs for the owners can get closure not knowing is going to be the hardest thing to over come
Linda Hersey
12:06 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Accidents happen so fast. Robert and Cory seem like wonderful pet owners. This must be very painful for them.
michele bradford
9:41 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
I'm just about in tears reading this.. i am sorry to hear about the pitbulls ..I am praying for robert and corey to find thier babies safe and sound!! i would be devastated if something happened to my baby i have had him since he was 5 weeks old he isnow 4 months old!!! god bless robert and corey .. hope they return safe!!!!
Catherine
10:20 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Robert and Cory .. my heart goes out to you two at this time of fear and sorrow. You must be feeling sick within your entire being with worry and sadness. Praying in a moment for the safe recovery of both Tank & Layla; our animal family members are truly more than simply 'animals' to us - they are extensions of our hearts & souls. God Bless and bring you peace.
J M Brown
12:01 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I posted on Facebook and on Craigslist under lost and found. Please call animal services if found: 727-582-2600 Lost Pet Hotline: 727-582-2604
Good luck!
Catherine
9:27 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
How very wonderful of you J M Brown, for taking the time out of your day to post this incident. You are truly a [a] person of action and [b] one of great caring and compassion. I'm graced in having seen your response today. May you be blessed in the same manner of caring as you do for others.
Linda Hersey
12:04 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Good thinking. Thanks so much!
michele bradford
3:18 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I am not giving up hope.we calld a few ads on craigslist about 2 found dogs.. i have spoke to robert and old him if i hear anyhing from anyone i would contact him right away
Georgette Keane
1:10 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
I am so sorry my dog I found was not them. Thank you for calling me Michele
Camielle
3:42 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
One of the dogs, Layla, has been found in the bay behind the Nelson Poynter Library at USF St. Petersburg. Sadly the dog did not make it, she was fished out and Robert and Cory picked up her up to take home. Tank has still not been found.
Catherine
9:30 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Oh Camielle ... I'm so saddened by your shared news. At least there's a blessing in Layla having been found; Robert & Cory can now bury here and not continue with their worry through the night. Regarding Tank .. I'll continue to pray that he's safe and WILL be found alive. Thanks so much for the update, regardless of how heartbreaking. Blessings you way, Catherine
Camielle
10:51 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
When we found her it was the worst feeling in the world, but I am glad we were able to get her to Robert and Corey so they could have some closure. Prayers remain for Tank.
michele bradford
4:25 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
OMG Robert and Cory I am so sorry for your loss!! i prayed real hard that they would return safe... Im praying that tank will be fine!! sorry guys i tried to help as much as i could!!! my heart goes out to u ... pease dont give up!!
Linda Hersey
4:28 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I am grateful that Robert and Cory were contacted and they can bring Layla body's home. I hope that Tank is found, too.
michele bradford
9:56 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
has anyone heard anything about tank? prayers going out now!!!!
Judy
11:01 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Any news regarding Tank - was the poor thing found?
Catherine
11:37 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
I'm wondering the same thing, Michele & Judy; this is why I even clicked on the link for this story today. Did lots of praying for the safe finding of both dogs yesterday, but when out found out that Layla was found deceased, I prayed even harder for Tanks safe find. That dog must live .. he just must. Hope we here some good news soon.
Linda Hersey
11:03 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
I sent a text to Robert and Cory last night but have not heard back from them. I will likely try at the end of day to call them. Thanks for asking.
Robert Montgomery
12:35 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
We found Layla's body late Monday by someone who saw this please help us recover tank!!!! Thanks for all the support
Alison VanderMolen
2:27 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
We share your heartache! Please know that you are in our prayers!
Linda Hersey
12:38 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Thank you, Robert, for responding. We are happy to spread the word. Please stay in contact with Pinellas County shelters and the neighborhood. You never know. Tank seems like a big strong boy.
Robert Montgomery
1:38 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
We checked out pinellas county animal services today and unfortunately we did not find tank.
Catherine
2:13 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Oh no, Robert. Just in case you didn't know, you can place a FREE Lost add in the Tampa Bay Times .. may aid you in finding Tank. I'm also guessing that you've been back to the areas that you checked on the day of their demise, to see if he's laying around struggling with a broken leg or something. Also, DO check with the animal shelters: SPCA, Friends of Strays, Save Our Strays, Humane Society, etc... You just never know .. may find your beloved boy in one of those locations. Keeping you and yours in prayer of finding Tank.
Robert Montgomery
2:19 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Thank you all very much. Yes catherine we have been back to the area as hard as it is we are happy to have some closer to one of our dogs
Catherine
2:33 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Oh Robert ... your loss feels like mine own. Please call the times and do place that free lost add .. miracles do happen and I certainly pray that it's time for you to receive one.
michele bradford
3:23 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Robert & Corey hey guys i am so sorry about ur little girl... iit breaks my heart i still have all my friends looking.. and u guys can also keep ur eyes out on craigslist.. alot of ppl pick up strays and try to re sell them... even though they belong to someone else... i have been through this myself so i know....
Linda Hersey
11:06 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Camielle: Thank you for letting Robert and Cory know when you found Layla, even though it seems you had never met them. I know it was so important to them, and your kindness made a difference.
michele bradford
7:29 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
has anyone heard anything about tank? imraying he is safe nd sond and hopefully home with his 2 daddies
Linda Hersey
10:25 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
We've heard nothing new on Tank, though Robert said he will keep us informed and thanked everyone for kind thoughts and helpfulness.
michele bradford
11:28 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
awsome ty Linda...
Cory c
8:26 am on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Nothing yet everyone. Thank u all for your support
Georgette Keane
1:11 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
I am so sorry Cory that the pit I found is not yours. My heart is with you and much hope to find them well
michele bradford
11:47 am on Sunday, July 1, 2012
ny news on tank? i sure hope ur baby comes home soon
Linda Hersey
12:28 pm on Sunday, July 1, 2012
Haven't heard anything!
michele bradford
8:38 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
has anyone heard anything about thier other baby?
michele bradford
6:47 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012
has anyne heard anything aout tank comn back home?
Robert Montgomery
9:47 pm on Monday, August 20, 2012
We are very sadden to report that Tank was rescued but due to overcrowding he was euthanized Aug 8th R.I.P babies you two are playing together once again
Catherine
12:27 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Makes me feel so sick, reading that Tank was euthanized [due to overcrowding]. Please, Robert, get chips for any dogs that you may take into your home and heart in the future. Not that doing so is a guarantee, but it might just be a lifesaver if your pet is taken into a shelter. So sorry for your loss.
Linda Hersey
1:03 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
I'm so sorry Robert. This is tragic. Will you please contact me? 727-480-4163
Linda at Patch
michele bradford
3:39 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
OMG i am sooo sorry robert.. my praters are with u and ur family .. trust me tank is crossing ovr the rainbow bridge to be with his playmate..Him and Layla can be running around and playin again. again I am so sorry fo our loss...take care and go bless
cory crosby
9:27 am on Monday, November 26, 2012
I would like everyone to know how much we appreciate the support .yesterday we adopted lexi from new horizon dog rescue.lexi is a mini pit girl brown and beautiful green eyes .
Catherine
12:28 pm on Monday, November 26, 2012
Thank you Cory, for having adopted a rescue. I'm sure that she'll do her best to heal your hearts and will be a very loving, appreciative part of your family. Bless you all.