February 11, 2009 2:15 PM

Florida Man Punches Shark To Save His Dog

(CBS/AP)  A dog is recovering after his owner dove in to the ocean to save his pet from a shark.

Greg LeNoir said he took his 14-pound rat terrier Jake for a daily swim at a marina Friday.

The five-foot shark suddenly surfaced and grabbed nearly the entire dog in its mouth.

LeNoir said he yelled, then balled up his fists and dove headfirst into the water. He hit the shark in the back and the creature finally let go of the dog.

Man and dog made it safely back to shore. The dog suffered bite wounds but was not critically injured.

CBS station WFOR in Miami reports that both dog and owner are avid swimmers, and it seems that the experience was more harrowing for LeNoir than for Jake. The two-year-old terrier seems utterly unfazed by the attack, WFOR reports.

© 2009 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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by Brandywine33 June 8, 2009 12:36 AM EDT
Such an adorable little dog, and very brave owner. If it were not for that bravery that little dog would not be here. I hope he has gotten over his nightmares and is able to sleep peacefully again, bless his heart.
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by winslowe1 October 2, 2008 2:41 AM EDT
Greenpeace hasn''t filed a lawsuit yet??
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by snookman55 October 1, 2008 8:09 PM EDT
He is one very lucky dog.This was actualy his second rescue. He was originaly rescued by Marrvelous Pet Rescue, in Key Largo. They rescue abandoned dogs and cats and seek out new loving homes and owners, and are a non profit orginazition.
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by x-republican October 1, 2008 5:32 PM EDT
let the animal haters begin to fling their poo at me for this comment, it is most welcome as i couldnt begin to care what you think.
Posted by solis13 at 06:04 PM : Sep 30, 2008

You welcome being covered in poo? Strange.
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by sfden October 1, 2008 2:51 PM EDT
I did NOT say your wedding
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by armydog2 October 1, 2008 1:47 PM EDT
Kudos Greg,great job. That is one loved little pooch!
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by trixiebell05 October 1, 2008 11:59 AM EDT
That is an awsome story!!!!You go Jake and kudos for LeNoir. That is proof of unconditional love...the brains response of fight/flight. I would do the same thing if that happened to my Jack...I really get wonder how people can ask would you do that? Of course, because you don''t think you just DO!!!
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by ambersmommom October 1, 2008 11:12 AM EDT
Harry, how you kept a straight face during this interview, I will never know!!
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by antidalai October 1, 2008 8:40 AM EDT
the dog has love and devotion from owner, and the same love ,devotion and unconditional love the dog has towards owner, great love
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by blackyowe October 1, 2008 4:31 AM EDT
Great move! Rat terriers are known to be tuff and I guess their owners are too! Well done!
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