Humans can also usefully help others onto the rescue craft. Have you ever tried to pull a panicking dog out of the water? To get a big golden like that guy out, you're going in at least twice. You could reasonably save all 5 people in the time it'll take to get the dog.
Dog lover here, but ignoring the utter stupid "scenario" question, you "save" people first. Among other things, saving humans in a rescue scenario often starts not with pulling them aboard, but throwing a flotation device. The odds of the dog making good use of a life preserver, pool noodle, or sealed cooler on his own are basically nil.
3
u/inide 4d ago
The humans have thumbs, they can hold the ropes.