Hazel, a black Labrador, had broken through the surface of a frozen lake and was struggling to stay afloat in the freezing water.
The incident unfolded in Georgetown Charter Township, in Ottawa County, USA.
Pleading for help
The neighbour quickly called 911, prompting firefighters to rush to the scene. Among them was firefighter and diver Jeremy Vandenheuvel, who immediately spotted Hazel, her eyes pleading for help as she battled exhaustion in the icy waters.
Vandenheuvel, equipped in full rescue gear, made his way onto the fragile ice and reached the dog, wrapping her in his arms. With a rope, firefighters on shore pulled both Vandenheuvel and Hazel to safety.
Rescue mission
"The dog was extremely exhausted and had ice forming on its face and nose," Georgetown Township Fire Department chief Matt DeWitt wrote in a statement.
Hazel was quickly reunited with her family and, after a full recovery, made a special visit to the fire station to thank her rescuers.
The Georgetown Charter Township Fire Department shared their relief that both Hazel and her rescuers were safe, celebrating the successful rescue and Hazel's return to her loving home.
Phew!
