Dump the wife, keep the dog.

that was kind of you OP. if it is dangerous like the water is cold and could therefore cause you to go into shock, then I believe the recommendation is not to risk your life, even if it is a human because you could then be in danger yourself and someone would have to save you. your wife may have been flirting or it could have been misinterpreted, she could have just been being nice or friendly. If she was flirting then it quite possibly doesn't mean anything. sometimes I think it is natural reaction and hard to help. but it really sucks. OP, thank you for helping that dog, please be careful though and I hope your wife gave you loads of attention and love and appreciation!