Last photo taken of beloved dog before he drowned on an idyllic beach – as devastated owners demand installation of proper warning signs
- Dog was killed in cracks at 11 Mile Beach, WA
- Owners have shared the latest photo of their pet
A devastated couple who lost their beloved dog in a rip at a popular beach have shared the latest photo of them with the treasured pet.
Georgia Crook swam last Saturday at 11 Mile Beach in Esperance, Western Australia, with her partner Ash Bowman and their two dogs.
All four were enjoying an idyllic day at the beach before their Australian Shepherd was sucked into a hole in the nearby reef and carried away.
The pair shared the latest photo of their beloved dog Mushu, while demanding proper warning signs be put up along the beach to prevent a similar tragedy.
The last photo Georgia Crook has of her with her beloved dog Mushu, before he got into a rip at 11 Mile Beach Esperenace
Dog owner Georgia Crook (pictured right), lost her dog Mushu (pictured) after a tear dragged the Australian Shepard into a hole in a reef
The photo shows Mushu and another dog playing in the crystal clear water while Mrs Crook stands knee-deep in the surf.
Mrs Crook and her partner searched the area and dove underwater to try and find Mushu after he was taken through the rift, but his body never surfaced.
“It all happened in about two seconds and before our very eyes,” Ms Crook said 7News.
“I knew right away he was gone and we couldn’t get him back. He was helpless.
“It was so heartbreaking.”
Mr. Bowman immediately tried to jump into the hole and shouted to Mushu, but it was too late.
The couple turned to a Facebook group to ask if Mushu had been found by anyone else nearby.
It was then that they learned that numerous other dogs had been killed at the same location.
The pair searched the area and dived underwater to find Mushu (pictured), but his body tragically never surfaced again
A spokesperson for the Shire of Esperance said they are prioritizing updating safety signs after it was revealed that Mushu is one of several dogs killed there
‘I’m sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, it’s not the first time this has happened. It’s really dangerous,” one user wrote.
“I worry about anyone swimming near these spots. It should be covered with mesh and signposted,” another wrote.
‘I’m sorry to hear this. I lost my dog in the same place many years ago,” said one pet owner.
Ms Crook said she was concerned about children getting into the crack.
The Shire of Esperance council said they are taking steps to prioritize updating signage on water safety.
“The Shire has no control over this beach, which is why the safety signs we provide are posted at the access points,” a spokesman said.
‘We can confirm that Shire officers have already worked with Surf Life Saving WA, who have carried out a coastal risk assessment and advised on updated signage.
“Coastal hazard signage on the Esperance tourist loop and in urban areas will be updated as a matter of priority.”