For dogs who love water, winter can be a tricky time. Bodies of water freeze over, but not all of them are thick enough to support an animal’s weight. Even if your dog is well-behaved, it’s important to be extra cautious when walking near ice.
One dog got stuck in a dangerous situation. She fell through the ice on a frozen pond several times as she struggled to get to shore. If rescuers hadn’t rushed to the scene, the dog might not have made it to safety. But thanks to an incredible team of people, she’s alive and doing well.
On Thin Ice
Early in the morning, someone spotted a dog walking on a Colorado lake, which was covered in ice in some areas. The ice was not thick enough to support the dog, so she repeatedly fell through patches of thin ice. Someone called Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) for help.
“Thankfully, the caller knew to call for help and did not attempt to go out onto the ice and rescue the dog themselves,” PFA wrote on Facebook.
Rescuers arrived at the scene and determined the best way to save the dog. One worker put on a yellow ice suit and swam toward the dog with a bodyboard. Rescuers on the shore held on to a rope that was attached to the bodyboard. Once the responder reached the dog, they secured her onto the board, and she gladly cooperated.
Responders Save the Day
The rescuers on the shore pulled the person and dog to land, where they would both be safe. In a video posted by PFA, the dog looks nervous but stays completely still. According to rescuers, cold water can be dangerous in a matter of seconds for dogs and humans.
“The best thing you can do if your pet runs out onto an icy pond or if you see any animal in icy water is to call for help,” PFA wrote. “Icy water can affect your mental and physical abilities in a matter of seconds. Plus, the depth of the water and strength of the ice can be very unpredictable.”
Someone who works at the animal hospital commented on PFA’s post and said that the dog is doing well. They helped warm her up, and then she got to go home that same day.
A great way to keep your furry friends safe from a situation like this is to keep them on a leash, especially near bodies of water. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
H/T: people.com
Featured Image: Facebook
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via Whisker Therapy