Terrifying moment Florida police dog jumps off 75-foot bridge before fearless pup is rescued by his cop companion desperately holding onto his leash

A Florida police dog who attempted to leap over a railing that was 75 feet above water was rescued by his handler - saving his life.

A K9 partner named Zeppelin was helping his partner Brevard County Deputy Lauren Donaldson with a felony arrest on a causeway east of Orlando along the Atlantic coast when the dog suddenly leaped over the railing.

Donaldson said in the Facebook post that Zeppelin was on a leash walking away from the arrest area 'and without warning, decided to jump over the rail.'

The video shows Donaldson reacting quickly, pulling Zeppelin up by his leash over the bridge back to safety.

Holding onto her K9 partner's leash, Donaldson used her feet to brace against the railing, and then reached  over to pull the dog up and over the railing. 

As soon as Zeppelin was pulled to safety, he is trotted away, wagging his tail as if nothing happened.

A K9 partner named Zeppelin was helping his partner Brevard County Deputy Lauren Donaldson with a felony arrest on a causeway east of Orlando along the Atlantic coast when the dog suddenly leaped over the railing

Donaldson said in the Facebook post that Zeppelin was on a leash walking away from the arrest area 'and without warning, decided to jump over the rail'

The video shows Donaldson reacting quickly, pulling Zeppelin up by his leash over the bridge back to safety

Sheriff Wayne Ivey was astounded by Donaldson's successful efforts, given her size in relation to the K9's.

'Lauren's rescue of her beloved partner is even more amazing when you consider that "Zeppelin," a Belgian Malinois weighs approximately 75 pounds and Lauren weighs 122 pounds when she is soaking wet and holding a bowling ball,' said in the Facebook post,' said Wayne

'Without Lauren's fast action there is no question that "Zeppelin" would have fallen approximately 75 feet into the Indian River and most likely to his death.'

Holding onto her K9 partner's leash, Donaldson used her feet to brace against the railing, and then reaching over to pull the dog up and over the railing

As soon as Zeppelin was pulled to safety, he is trotted away, wagging his tail as if nothing happened

The sheriff said he 'could not be more proud of [Donaldson]' for saving Zeppelin's life in the video posted on Facebook.

Zeppelin and Donaldson are back-to-back champs in the 'Hardest Hitting K-9' category of the Space Coast K-9 Competition, an annual event that sets out to showcase the skills of police dogs.

'I'm still mad at 'Zeppelin' for giving us all a huge scare, but am so grateful that is okay and unharmed,' Ivey said.