UPDATE: Man and Dog Safe After Having to be Rescued

SARTELL - A man and his dog had to be rescued along the Mississippi River near the Heim's Mill canoe access. A man and his wife were playing with their dog when the toy got taken away by the current. The dog went after the toy and was also swept away by the river.

When the couple noticed their dog was struggling to get back to shore the man went in after the dog. The man made it to a small island east of the County Road 1 bridge over the Sauk River. Instead of trying to swim back to shore against the current the couple decided to call 9-1-1.

Stearns County Sheriff, Benton County Sheriff as well as the Sartell Police and Fire Department responded to the incident. When officers arrived they found the man on the island and the dog on the opposite shore. Sartell Fire Department responded with their Zodiac and returned the man and his dog to the Heim's Mill canoe access.

The man was identified as Michael Lenarz. He and his dog sustained no injuries due to the incident.

You are reminded that the rivers are high and unsafe for use. If you do decide to use the water you are urged to use proper safety gear like a life jacket.