Florida dog survives shark attack

ISLAMORADA, Fla., Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Greg LeNoir of Islamorada, Fla., says he had to overcome his own fear before he could save his 14-pound dog, Jake, from the jaws of a shark.

Jake, a 28-month-old rat terrier, was taking his daily swim retrieving soaked coconuts when LeNoir watched a 5-foot shark swim up and pull Jake under water, The Miami Herald reported Tuesday.

"I clenched my fists and dove straight in with all my strength, like a battering ram,'' LeNoir, 53, said. "I hit the back of the shark's neck. It was like hitting concrete."

The shark let go of Jake, who swam to shore trailing blood from punctures in his abdomen, chest and back, LeNoir said of Friday's attack. Jake is expected to fully recover.

LeNoir and his wife, Tessalee, said Jake became like family after they adopted him from an animal shelter.

"We have no children," LeNoir said. "Jake became our child. When I saw the shark engulf him, I thought, `This can't be the end.' ''