At a Glance
- A dog was pulled from an icy pond in St. Louis on Jan. 19 after the ice broke.
- Firefighters used a rescue boat to bring the animal to safety and report it is recovering.
- A similar rescue of a 6-month-old Australian shepherd, Stella, occurred on the Detroit River on the same day.
- Why it matters: The incidents highlight the dangers of extreme winter weather and the quick response of local emergency teams.
A dog was rescued from a frigid pond in St. Louis, Missouri, after the ice gave way on Jan. 19. Firefighters from the St. Louis Fire Department (SLFD) posted a dramatic video on their Facebook page on Jan. 26 showing the rescue boat arriving and the moment the animal was pulled from the icy water.
The St. Louis Rescue
The SLFD’s official Facebook post began: “In the grip of single-digit temperatures, a dog wandered onto the ice and suddenly found itself in a life-threatening situation,” the department wrote. The post explained that the ice broke, trapping the dog in cold water where it could not swim to safety.
Within moments, the Marine #Rescue Task Force received the call and went to work. The post continued: “Crews launched, navigated the frozen conditions, and reached the dog just in time, carefully pulling it from the icy water and bringing it to safety,” and added, “We’re happy to report the dog is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery. 🐾”.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 19 | Dog trapped on ice in St. Louis pond |
| Jan. 19 | SLFD Marine #Rescue Task Force dispatched |
| Jan. 19 | Dog pulled from icy water |
| Jan. 26 | SLFD posts video and update on Facebook |
Rescue Details
The rescue boat’s arrival was captured in a short clip that quickly went viral. The video shows the boat cutting through the ice, the crew lowering a rope, and the dog being hauled out of the water. Photos accompanying the video display the animal safely on the ground, then wrapped in a blanket on a fire truck, ready to be warmed.
The SLFD’s post highlighted the crew’s skill in navigating the frozen conditions. The department emphasized that the dog is expected to recover fully, noting that the animal had been in a life-threatening situation for a short time.
Recovery and Aftermath
According to the SLFD, the rescued dog is doing well. The department’s Facebook update described the animal as a “survivor, safe and recovering.” No injuries were reported, and the dog was expected to make a full recovery.
The incident underscores how quickly temperatures can drop during winter storms. The post noted that single-digit temperatures were present on the day of the rescue, a condition that can make ice brittle and dangerous.
Parallel Rescue in Michigan
On the same day, Jan. 19, a 6-month-old Australian shepherd named Stella was rescued from the iced-over Detroit River in Michigan. The Grosse Ile Police Department attempted to guide Stella to land using an aerial drone before enlisting the local fire department to help with an airboat.
Stella kept running away, but rescuers eventually reached her and reunited her with her family. The police department posted on Facebook that Stella was “safely reunited with her family, who expressed their gratitude to all responders involved.” The post thanked animal control and residents who assisted, concluding, “Job well done to all involved!”
Community Response
Both rescues drew praise from local residents and social media users. Many commenters thanked the firefighters and police officers for their quick action and for keeping the animals safe. The videos and photos shared by the departments served as a reminder of the importance of preparedness during extreme winter weather.
Key Takeaways
- Rapid response saves lives – The SLFD and Grosse Ile Police Department acted swiftly, preventing potential drownings.
- Extreme temperatures pose serious risks – Single-digit temperatures can cause ice to break, creating dangerous situations for pets and people.
- Community cooperation is vital – Residents and animal control played a supporting role in the Michigan rescue, illustrating how teamwork can make a difference.
- Public sharing raises awareness – The departments’ use of Facebook to share videos and updates helped inform the public and highlight the importance of safety during winter storms.
These rescues serve as a powerful reminder that during harsh weather, quick action and community collaboration can save lives and keep our pets safe.
