A 1-year-old golden retriever has defied the odds after a boat accident left him separated from his family.

Rocky and his owner, Jeff Wiestman, were on a boat trip on Ashley River in South Carolina when they were both thrown into the water following a collision with an abandoned cement dock.

As Wiestman battled with the fast-moving tide, he surfaced to find Rocky missing. Despite suffering broken ribs from the fall, he began a frantic search for the dog along riverbanks and nearby marshes.

This was when Charleston Animal Society stepped in.

"We don't normally post lost pets on our social media, but this was a dire circumstance," Kay Hyman, Director of Community Engagement at Charleston Animal Society, told Newsweek. "Rocky's story touched a chord, and within hours, our post had gone viral, reaching thousands across our community and beyond."

The anxious search continued for almost 36 hours before a breakthrough. At 9 a.m. on June 25, the family got a call from a couple in West Ashley. They had seen Rocky on the dock, still wearing his red life jacket, and quickly called the family to let them know.

Rocky had managed to swim across the Ashley River to safety before wandering through the marshes, eventually finding himself in the backyard.

"It feels like a miracle," Kim Wiestman said in a Facebook post. "Our Rocky is really home. He checked out okay at the vet, with just a swollen ankle and extreme exhaustion."

The entire community rallied after hearing about Rocky's rescue, and Kim added: "We cannot thank everyone enough for their support and efforts in finding him."

Rocky's adventure sparked other pet owners to think about safety during boating trips.

"Several people immediately went online and purchased dog vests for their boating dogs," Hyman said. "We always stress boat safety being surrounded by rivers and beaches, but Rocky's harrowing escape from death was averted by his life vest and canine wits."

For the Charleston Animal Society, celebrating its 150th year, Rocky's tale is an example of its commitment to helping dogs in need. "We are proud to have played a role in reuniting Rocky with his family," said Hyman. This heartwarming outcome highlights the impact of our community's support and compassion."

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