This Pool Cleaner Is a True Hero for What He Did for a Drowning Puppy
Vinicius Orlando showed up for routine pool maintenance in Goiás, Brazil. As he approached the pool, Orlando noticed a wet patch on the cover. He pulled it back and, to his dismay, saw a dog lying motionless at the bottom. Without thinking, the man jumped in, and within minutes, he had pulled Choquito out.
The good news is that the dog came back to life after several long seconds, and the pool cleaner went viral across the internet.
Orlando Acted Fast
@jovempannewsUm cachorro idoso e cego, chamado Choquito, foi salvo de um afogamento em Goiânia na última quinta-feira (11). O prestador de serviços Vinicius Orlando, 38, encontrou o animal desacordado no fundo da piscina de uma casa e conseguiu reanimá-lo após realizar massagens. O resgate foi registrado por câmeras de monitoramento. Segundo Vinicius, o cão não respirava mais quando foi retirado da água. Após cerca de dois minutos de massagem, Choquito voltou a respirar. “Se eu tivesse chegado 30 segundos mais tarde, não teria escapado”, relatou. De acordo com o tutor, Danilo Soares, o animal permaneceu cerca de 40 minutos nadando até perder as forças, ficando submerso por aproximadamente um minuto antes de ser resgatado. Choquito perdeu a visão após complicações oftalmológicas e, após o episódio, passou por exames veterinários. O cachorro passa bem. 🎥 Reprodução: Instagram/vinicius.orlando.3720 📺 Confira na JP News e Panflix #Brasil #Goiânia #Notícia #Cachorros #Animais♬ som original – Jovem Pan News
According to Orlando, Choquito wasn’t visible anywhere on the property when he entered the yard to clean the pool. That stood out because he recalled how the canine would often rush to him upon his arrival.
However, seeing the pool cover rang alarm bells. Orlando checked beneath it and saw the small dog at the bottom of the water, already unconscious. He didn’t reach for a net or call for help, but dove in right away.
On land, the furry creature showed no signs of movement, which is when the pool cleaner began abdominal compressions and cleared the dog’s airway. After a few tense moments, the dog twitched and slowly began to breathe.
There is no denying that Orlando’s response may have saved Choquito’s life. A few minutes of delay would have likely changed the outcome entirely. His calm, direct approach set everything in motion for a full recovery. Once he was sure that the pup was fine, he called the family to alert them. Worried for Choquito’s safety, they rushed him to a veterinary clinic for a quick evaluation.
Footage Confirmed the Dog Struggled for a Long Time
Security camera footage later showed what Orlando couldn’t have known in the moment. Choquito had fallen into the pool approximately 40 minutes before the rescue. The dog was blind and elderly. Unable to locate an exit or signal for help, he had paddled as long as possible. The footage captured him tiring and eventually sinking below the surface. Less than a minute after that, Orlando arrived, and the timing made all the difference.
Most drowning cases have a very short window for recovery. Even pets pulled out quickly can suffer permanent organ damage or death if oxygen loss lasts too long.
Dogs Can Drown Easily, Even If They Can Swim
Image via pexels/Helena Lopes
Many people believe dogs are natural swimmers. While some can swim well, the ability to stay afloat doesn’t mean they can escape water. Dogs get tired, disoriented, or trapped. According to veterinary professionals, drowning can occur in just a couple of minutes.
A large number of drowning incidents involve dogs that fall into pools and can’t find a way out. Older dogs, puppies, and flat-nosed breeds face a higher risk. Meanwhile, physical conditions like arthritis or poor eyesight also increase danger. Let’s not forget that pools with steep sides, no ramp, or a missing step can become death traps.
Immediate Veterinary Care Matters After a Near-Drowning
Image via pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko
Surviving a water incident doesn’t mean the danger has passed. Dogs that inhale water may appear alert but develop respiratory failure or pneumonia hours later. As per veterinary guidelines, all near-drowning cases require emergency evaluation. In Choquito’s case, the family sought professional help immediately.
Without that visit, potential delayed symptoms could have gone unnoticed. Veterinarians monitor for fluid in the lungs, low oxygen levels, and possible infections. In some cases, dogs also experience brain swelling or electrolyte imbalances.
Even if a pet seems normal, hidden damage can cause serious outcomes within 24 hours. But early intervention increases the chance of full recovery. Veterinary care should never be skipped after a drowning incident, even if the dog looks fine.