Drowning dog rescued from flooded river in northern Thailand

This is the heartwarming moment a drowning dog was rescued from a muddy river during floods in northern Thailand.

The golden retriever was walking along the side of a concrete bridge in Sukothai province after heavy rain caused the river to swell on August 24.

However, it slipped into the powerful torrents below and was unable to climb out while struggling to stay afloat in the currents.

Concerned locals, ten people in all, volunteered to help the dog's owner as he tried to beckon over his beloved companion.

They sat on the narrow ledge of the bridge while persuading the frantic pooch to come near them.

When the dog finally paddled towards the group one of them was dangled upside down and grabbed its limbs and carried it up.

The man was hanging upside down on the concrete wall while the other rescuers held his legs tightly.

They made sure that the men who grabbed the dog did not fall in the water as they are only perched on the narrow ledge of the bridge.

Speaking after, one of the rescue volunteer Santisook said: "Everyone was so glad that we are able to save one life, the dog looked so happy." The pooch was finally reunited with its owner who lives nearby and he thanked the Good Samaritans before leaving together with his pet.