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‘If it hadn’t been for them, my dog would be dead today’

| September 16, 2025

Dover Mayor Shane Gunnoe and Judge Adam Wilgus recognize Austin Rooks and Oscar Snyder for rescuing Robert Springhetti from a dog attack last month.

DOVER – The mayor recognized a pair of good Samaritans who saved a city retiree and his K-9 companion from a dog attack at Dover City Park last month. Mayor Shane Gunnoe praised Austin Rooks and Oscar Snyder for coming to the rescue of retired 63-year city employee Robert Springhetti on Aug. 4.

Gunnoe says a large dog got off it’s leash and began attacking Springhetti and his dog. Rooks and Snyder acted fast and got the dog off of them.

“If it hadn’t been for them, my dog would be dead today,” Springhetti said.

Gunnoe read a proclamation to honor the actions of the two men, calling them exceptionally courageous and selfless. He says their “heroic act…prevented what could have been a far more tragic outcome.”

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