Jeremy Van Pelt, an avid fly fisherman from Austin, Texas, often finds solace in the serene waters of Galveston Bay during his weekend getaways. However, his recent excursion turned into a heartwarming tale of rescue and reunion.

“On a typical Sunday afternoon, as Van Pelt navigated his kayak through the tranquil waters of West Bay, his eyes were set on the horizon, scanning for fish,” he said. “I was scanning the water horizon for fish that I could track down with my kayak and low and behold I saw something in the distance,” Van Pelt said.

To his surprise, it wasn’t a fish but a dog, paddling tirelessly, far from the safety of the shore. The dog, Van Pelt said, seemed relieved to see someone paddling its way. Without hesitation, Van Pelt sprang into action, scooping up the weary Labrador onto his kayak.

Grace was found swimming by a fisherman. Photo by Jeremy Van Pelt

First, I was shocked that someone’s dog was out in West Bay swimming by itself with no visible people around,” Van Pelt said.

With the contact information from the dog’s collar, he swiftly contacted her owner, Krista White. “It was just unbelievable,” White said. “I just – I can’t believe she was out in the middle of the bay. There were so many things that could have happened to her.”

For White, the news was nothing short of astonishing. Her beloved companion, Grace, a 9-year-old Labrador, had embarked on an unexpected water adventure, presumably in search of her husband, who had left to go fishing earlier that day.

Grace was found swimming by a fisherman. Photo by Jeremy Van Pelt

Reflecting on the extraordinary turn of events, Van Pelt’s children couldn’t contain their excitement. “It was definitely, according to my kiddos, the most exciting thing I’ve ever caught out in Galveston Bay,” Van Pelt said, chuckling.

For Van Pelt, being in the right place at the right time made the trip out to the bay worth so much more than just going on a fishing trip, he said. Just being able to help an animal and a worried family, was enough to make the fishing trip one of his best ever.

“I really can’t put into words how great it felt to help Grace and pull her out of the water to safety. The experience was such a positive one, and a reminder of the unconditional love our animals have for us. I was beyond grateful to help return Grace back to her family,” Van Pelt said. “The fishing trip was a bust, but it was one I’ll never forget!” Watch below to hear about Van Pelt’s exciting ‘catch of the day’!