Man urges pet owners to be cautious around rivers after Oliver the dog was swept away

SALT LAKE CITY — It has been a month since Travis Mundt took his chocolate lab, Oliver, for a walk at a popular dog trail in Tanner Park. Sadly, Oliver was lost when swift runoff waters swept him away. 

Mundt spoke with Dave and Dujanovic Tuesday morning and said that day, May 5, was just like any other when he took Oliver out to get some exercise. 

“We walked down Tanner Park, to the end of it where they have a little opening that you can get in the river. I just wasn’t even thinking about it. I kind of heard that the runoff is strong this year, but didn’t really give it a second thought.”

Mundt said Oliver was only about 10 seconds ahead of him. “He loves water and engages. He turned the corner and he jumped right in. And I actually didn’t even see him for like I said about 10 seconds when somebody waved me over and he was gone.”

Mundt said the current was strong, carried Oliver away, and wished he would have taken the river conditions more seriously. 

This can happen to anyone

Dujanovic assured Mundt that this could happen to anyone.

“So it’s not just you,” said Dujanovic. “It’s just unfortunate… he’s [Oliver] the story here because …your story’s probably going to help a lot of other dog owners understand how quickly things can happen.”

Mundt urged pet owners to be careful around rivers.

“Knowing what I know now, and going through that I would definitely put my dog on a leash near the end of the park.”

Mundt said he is still holding out hope that Oliver can be found.

“But I do want people to keep an eye out if they see anything. My number’s on over on all kinds of posters around town. You can call Animal Services, you can call the fire department is aware of my situation. You can call police just call somebody if you see Oliver.”

(Photo credit: Travis Mundt)

Related reading:

• Citing rising rivers, Sandy Mayor issues emergency declaration
• Some rivers exit flood stage as spring runoff draws closer to an end