Buttercup is one determined dog. Just why the older Labrador swam across the Port Washington Narrows from east to west Bremerton Saturday is unknown, but she made it to shore even after she was seen struggling part way across. Buttercup is now at Kitsap Humane Society, where she will be made available for adoption today if her owner does not claim her.

KHS Animal Control Officer Patrick Griffin-Hall said he picked up the dog at Evergreen Rotary Park boat launch in west Bremerton after a boater called 911 to report seeing the dog swimming. The woman tried to get the dog into the boat but was unsuccessful and was worried that it was growing tired, he said. Griffin-Hall said the dog, which he named Buttercup, was none the worse for the swim and was happy to see him. He said a man at the park thought he had seen the dog on shore in east Bremerton earlier in the day.

Buttercup will undergo bladder surgery today or Friday at KHS and will then be available for adoption. Retired Safeway employee Jim Green of Bremerton came to visit the dog Wednesday. He said he was at the park when the dog came to shore and is interested in adopting her.

“I felt so bad for her,” said Green. He previously adopted a 15-year-old Chow from KHS, but the dog passed away after a “couple more good years.” Green said he worries no one else will adopt the older animals, so he enjoys giving them a home, “And I’m old,” he added.

Kitsap Humane Society is a private, nonprofit, charitable organization that has been caring for animals in need since 1908.  KHS admits more than 5,000 animals per year and has one of the highest lives saved rates in the US.  KHS’ vision is that every adoptable companion animal has a home.  For more information, visit kitsap-humane.org  Rescue. Rehabilitate. Rehome