> At a Glance
> – A golden retriever named Goose crashed through ice 200 ft from shore Tuesday
> – Three ice-rescue techs in survival suits pulled the dog to safety by 3:32 p.m.
> – Owner’s 911 call and quick response averted tragedy on Goose Pond
> – Why it matters: Officials warn “no ice is safe ice” for pets or people
A brisk January afternoon walk turned into a life-or-death scramble when Goose, a playful golden retriever, wandered onto a frozen pond and plunged through the ice-sparking a rapid-fire rescue captured in dramatic photos.
The Plunge
Around 3:20 p.m. on January 6, the dog’s owner let Goose outside near Goose Pond in Chatham, Massachusetts. Within minutes, the retriever had trotted roughly 200 feet onto the ice, which gave way beneath him.
The owner spotted only Goose’s head and front paws clinging to the surrounding shelf-ice described as “several inches thick”-and dialed 911.
The Rescue
- Three ice-rescue technicians suited up in survival gear
- Crew members stepped onto the pond at 3:30 p.m.
- Goose was lifted from the frigid water and reunited with his owner two minutes later
Ice-rescue technician Peter Hennigan praised the owner’s decision:
> “He was right to call for help rather than try to retrieve the dog himself.”
Firefighter Nick Ruggiere added:
> “They invited us inside the house after to see Goose. He is a very sweet dog. We got to love him up by the fireplace; it was nice. He was very thankful, too.”
After the Ordeal
Goose warmed up in front of a fireplace and showed no severe distress, though a vet check-up was recommended. The department posted photos on Facebook, repeating a seasonal warning:
> “No ice is safe ice.”
Key Takeaways
- Even thick pond ice can fail without warning
- Call professionals instead of attempting self-rescue
- Quick action can save pets in under five minutes
Goose’s dramatic dip ended with wagging tails and a grateful owner-proof that fast teamwork and caution can beat winter’s hazards.
