Couple takes dog canoeing, end up falling into Raquette River, requiring rescue crew

COLTON — Wanting to take advantage of the gorgeous day, Debra and Wayne Johnson decided to go canoeing with their dog on the Raquette River.

The Potsdam couple put the canoe in Monday at the boat launch on Gulf Road with Autumn, a 1-year-old Newfoundland, sitting in the middle. A few minutes after they launched, the energetic dog wanted to go for a swim in the calm water about 50 feet from shore. In the process, the dog rocked the canoe and tipped it.

"We hung onto the canoe until we were rescued," Mr. Johnson said while watching Autumn run around the small parking lot. "We were treading water for about 10 to 15 minutes. I was getting pretty tired."

The Johnsons were yelling for help when an unidentified motorist dialed 911 and the couple was plucked from the water and into another boat, Mr. Johnson said. He described the water as cold and said he didn't know the boater who saved them.

The Colton Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad responded, along with state police. The couple refused to be taken to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Potsdam, for treatment.

The Newfoundland breed excels at water rescues because it has webbed feet, Mr. Johnson said.

The Johnsons have been married for 35 years.