First Responders Pull Woman from Freezing River After She Fell in Trying To Rescue Dog
Taking a weekend walk with your furry friends is often the highlight of the day for both people and pets.
But for one 33-year-old woman, a typical outing with her dogs turned into a life-threatening emergency.
On Jan. 27, the unidentified woman took her two dogs out for a walk along the St. Mary’s River in Allen County.
Police told WPTA that during the walk, one of the woman’s dogs slipped and fell into the water and became trapped.
Instinctively, the woman tried to rescue her dog, but ended up falling into the freezing river.
According to WFFT, the woman was able to use her cell phone to call her mom, and her mom called 911.
By the time police reached the woman, she had been in the water for about 20 minutes.
She was half a mile downstream, waist-deep in the chilly river.
First responders were able to successfully rescue the woman, who was immediately taken to a hospital.
“She was able to walk to the ambulance,” a first responder said.
“She was first listed in serious condition, but was upgraded to minor injuries. It will be investigated further by the DNR.”
Police added that both of the woman’s dogs are fine.
First responders want people to know that when pets are in serious trouble, it’s best to call 911 instead of trying to make a dangerous rescue, The Journal Gazette reported.
“Stay away from waterways,” said Sgt. Chad Vaughan who was at the rescue scene.
While this woman is OK, other pet owners have lost their lives trying to save animals from freezing waters.
In Dec. 2018, 38-year-old Tracy Cashman died after trying to rescue her dog from a frozen pond in Wyoming, Michigan.
The mother of three had been walking her dog at night, alone, when the dog ended up in the water.
While it’s instinctive for pet owners to rush in to try to save the furry friends they love, having the discernment to call for professional help is best — not just for the dog, but for the humans who love them, too.
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