Feature Story

A Peculiar Sight at the Charles River

Wednesday July 27,2016

It’s seven am. Thirty-seven-year-old John Smith is making his way over to the Charles River for his regular morning swim. Waiting for him at the shore is his dog and long time companion, Hank. As Smith is making his way back to shore, Hank, the seven-year-old golden retriever, notices something strange.

Splash! Smith lifts his head a couple more inches above the water. He sees Hank franticly making his way toward him. Soon, Smith also spots a fifteen-foot, dark mass in the water seemingly following him upstream. It is a massive alligator. According to nationalzoo.si.edu, “The average size for an adult female American alligator is 8.2 feet (2.6 m), and the average size for a male is 11.2 feet (3.4 m).

Hank reaches the scene and immediately goes after the gator. A loud shriek indicates defeat. Just one nip at Hank’s back left leg results in 17 stitches. Despite difficulties, both Smith and his pet make it out of the river. Proud owner of such a brave dog states, “He’s my best friend and I’m never going swimming without him.”

Hard News Story

Alligator Misplaced in the Charles River Early Wednesday Morning

July 27, 2016: A fifteen-foot alligator was found swimming in the Charles River around seven am Wednesday morning. John Smith, 37, was going for one of his daily swims, when his golden retriever, Hank, spotted the unfamiliar creature.

The gator was following Smith back to shore when the dog emerged himself in the water and began swimming toward both Smith and the alligator as an attempt to protect his owner. The gator took a bite at Hank’s back left leg. Seventeen stitches later, the search for the gator continues.