A WOMAN has been praised for an act of bravery after rescuing her dog from the water at Lydney Docks.

The dramatic incident happened on Thursday, February 12, during what had begun as a routine walk. Bruno, a 20kg bulldog, fell from the quayside into the docks, dropping a considerable distance into the water below.

Bruno’s owner, 67-year-old Jackie Archer, said the situation quickly became terrifying as she realised her dog was in serious danger.

Speaking afterwards about the incident, Mrs Archer said: “Our walk today turned into a terrifying ordeal. Bruno fell in the docks. Jon (Mrs Archer’s Husband) was with me and with great difficulty we managed to save him. I thought he was going to die.”

With Bruno struggling in the water and no immediate help available, Mrs Archer made the decision to climb down one of the vertical ladders into the docks to reach him.

She explained: “I had to strip off and go down one of the ladders into the water. Jon tried to haul us out but couldn’t keep hold of me so I ended up chest deep in the water.”

Despite the height of the ladder, the cold conditions and the danger involved, Mrs Archer managed to reach Bruno and keep hold of him while attempting to get back out of the docks.

Mrs Archer added: “God knows how we got him out but we did, rushed him to the vet and thankfully he is ok.”

She also said that while she was attempting the rescue she repeatedly called out for help, but no one came to assist, despite other people being nearby at the time.

She added: “While I was stripping off I was calling for help as there were other people around, no one came to help.”

After the rescue, Mrs Archer said she was left waiting for NHS 111 to contact her to check whether she would require any medical treatment following her time in the water.

The incident quickly became a talking point after friend and neighbour Sharon Ann Quick shared details of what had happened on a local WhatsApp group, saying she felt people should understand how serious the situation had been.

Mrs Quick praised Mrs Archer’s actions and described her as exceptionally brave for putting herself at risk to save her dog.

In a message shared with neighbours, she said: “So I have to tell you all that our lovely neighbour Jackie was very brave today. She rescued her darling Bruno, a 20 kilo bulldog, after he fell into the docks.

“She climbed down a vertical ladder into the water which was a long way down and pulled him out holding him with one arm and lifted him out. Can you imagine.”

Mrs Quick said Mrs Archer’s strength and fitness played a key role in the successful rescue, adding that her background in weightlifting helped her manage the physically demanding task under extreme pressure.

She added: “She is very fit to manage that and incredibly brave and thank goodness she does weightlifting. She’s a real heroine. I’m so proud of her.”

Neighbours responding to the messages expressed relief that both Mrs Archer and Bruno were safe, while also voicing concern that no one else stepped forward to help during the rescue.

Bruno was taken to a vet following the incident and was given the all-clear. Both he and Mrs Archer were said to be recovering well after what was described as a deeply distressing experience.

The incident has also raised wider questions locally about safety around open water and the risks faced by dog walkers in particular.

While Lydney Docks is a popular location for walks and recreation, residents said the sudden drop from the quayside into the water can pose a serious hazard, especially in moments of panic or poor footing.

Friends said the rescue highlighted the strength of the bond between owners and their pets, with Mrs Archer acting instinctively and without hesitation when Bruno’s life was at risk.

Both Mrs Archer and Bruno are now back at home and continuing to recover after the ordeal. The pair have since been resting and taking things easy, with relief that what began as a terrifying incident ended safely.