Operation launched to save stranded dog and owner who only wanted to play catch

A dog and its owner had to be rescued from the water this evening after a game of catch ended in disaster.

The Newfoundland had plunged into River Almond at Cramond, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, to fetch his ball when the animal became distressed.

Its owner jumped into the water to save him, but found himself stuck as the dog panicked.

A major rescue operation was launched around 8.15pm as the owner clung onto both his dog and a rock to stay afloat.

Three coastguard teams were dispatched, including the Queensferry lifeboat, and the Lothian borders fire service was also in attendance.

Police officers and paramedics also attended the scene.

A coastguard spokesman said both dog and owner were rescued uninjured and unharmed, albeit slightly cold and wet.

Male Newfoundland dogs normally weigh 60–70kg, and females 45–55kg, but some have been known to weigh more than 90kg.

The largest on record weighed 120kg and measured more than 6ft from nose to tail.