UNCLE Sam’s hand-out proved to be a real life-saver when a dog was rescued from Southampton Water by tug-men in September, 1964.

The mongrel was spotted in the water off the Western Docks by the crew of the Red Funnel tug Thorness who hauled the dog safely on board.

Despite the crew having their hands full at the time as the tug was helping to manoeuvre the liner America, the dog, a crossbred sheepdog, was made comfortable on deck.

Once the transatlantic liner was secured on her berth the tug-men managed to dry the dog, which had by then made itself at home on the vessel.

When the word about the rescue got around on board America the liner’s crew passed over four pounds of meat which the hungry dog wolfed down.

How the dog came to be in the water so far away from the shore was a mystery although the Thorness’s skipper, Captain S Pascoe, thought it might have fallen overboard from a timber ship that had passed earlier on its way to Eling wharf.

The RSPCA was called to look after the dog while attempts were made to track down the animal’s owners.

Chief Inspector Frederick Reed from the RSPCA told the Daily Echo: “He is a good tempered old chap and has obviously been well looked after.

“There is no identity tag on the dog’s collar but he has four white feet and a white tip to his tail.

“He is not a young dog, and was just about all in when the tug-men found him.’’ Unfortunately it is not known whether the dog and his owner were ever reunited but if any Hampshire Heritage readers remembers the dog rescue, the Daily Echo would be pleased to hear from them.