Jogger Nabs PETA Award for Saving Dog, Man from Reservoir

Katie Kellner Jumped Into the Water to Save Pair From Drowning

For Immediate Release:
September 27, 2019

Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Action Award is on its way from PETA to Katie Kellner, who was jogging around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir on Tuesday when she heard a man calling for help: He’d gone into the water after Berkeley, a dog he was walking—and both were soon overwhelmed by the current. Without hesitation, Kellner pulled off her shoes, jumped into the reservoir, swam out to the pair, and pulled them both back to shore.

The man was taken to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, and Berkeley, who was unharmed, was soon reunited with his grateful guardian.

“Katie Kellner’s heroism saved two lives that day,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes her kindness and strength will inspire people everywhere to keep an eye out for animals in danger and do whatever it takes to get them to safety.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—reminds all dog guardians to keep their animal companions near them on walks using a leash and a comfortable, secure harness and never to leave them outdoors unattended.

Kellner will receive a framed certificate, a letter of congratulations, and a box of vegan cookies.

PETA opposes speciesism, which is a supremacist view of the world. For more information, please visit PETA.org.