Most people are very poor at judging the danger of fast moving water. The first parent went in to try and save the dogs, the second went in to try and save the first.

Should the second have stood on the water's edge and watched their spouse drown?

I agree that a human life is important. I also think my animals' lives are important. Would I choose to sacrifice the former for the latter? Probably not, unless the human was a monstor. Would I do whatever I could to try and save the latter - yes. However, situations and circumstances arise quickly and sometimes people make poor judgments.

Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"