Hi: I was searching on google for a Hinds that was killed in a boating accident in the 1950s or 60s and ran across this unusual story from Middlesbrough, England. It mentions a Chris Hinds, age 43. Regards Nan 71532.734@compuserve.com ======================================== Found at: http://www.thefaxtimes.com/archive/weirdfacts1.html An exhausted dog close to drowning in a fast-flowing river has reportedly been saved by a seal. Witnesses say the seal pushed the labrador-German shepherd cross to the safety of the shore. The 10-year-old dog had fallen into the River Tees and battled its way to one bank but could not get out. It turned to cross to the other side but, as it fought the tide, passers-by said the will was sapped out of the dog in the middle of the stretch of water. Just as the dog's head began to sink under the water a seal appeared and nudged it to safety. The dramatic course of events happened beneath Newport Bridge, Middlesbrough. Witness Chris Hinds, 43, from Middlesbrough, said: "It was just like the dog had a guardian angel." Mr Hinds was with his 18-year-old son Raymond when they spotted the injured animal, which had a cut on its head. "I initially reached in to get hold of him but when he saw me he panicked," Mr Hinds said. "I saw him going across the Tees from the Middlesbrough side to the Stockton side. He was an old dog and struggling. I thought, 'This dog is going to die'. There was no way I could get in to rescue him. "Just then a seal popped up out of nowhere. He came behind it and actually pushed him. I have never seen anything like it in my life. This dog would not have survived in the water if it hadn't been for that seal." Fire crews were called to the scene by Mr Hinds' son and helped capture the confused dog.