John, 13, comforting Casey after he brought her back to land.

A teenage boy is responsible for saving an elderly dog from drowning when the two happened to be visiting the same area of Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth, Connecticut, at the same time.

On July 5, an elderly 15-year-old black lab named Casey, went for a swim in the pond. Casey soon became disoriented, fatigued and unable to get back to shore.

That's when 13-year-old John Koobatian of Madison came to Casey's rescue.

John's mom, Nadine Koobatian, told the Patch, "In a frantic attempt to reach shore, she misjudged and instead made her way out to the center of the pond. Unable to swim further, she frantically thrashed and then succumbed to the water. John, watching with his family and friends from the shore, realized that Casey was drowning and her owner was not able to swim out to rescue her. Without hesitation, John swam out to rescue Casey."

"She was treated at Killingworth Veterinary Hospital and released in good condition," Nadine added.

With family and friends were nearby, John had a team of supporters close by if he needed help, but they weren't needed at all. "John is a strong swimmer and avid sailor who has spent most of the summer either on or in the water.  We were also prepared to go in after John if we needed to," Nadine said. "The dog's owner appeared to be in his mid-70s.  He was clearly distraught and there was no way he could have gone in. John definitely saved the dog's life. We are very proud of him."

• Killingworth
• CT
• teenager
• hero
• Labrador Retriever