Firefighter Rescues Stray Dog, Names Her Sausage

When Jacob Smith dove into action to save a dog trapped in an icy Ohio pond, he had no idea he might be rescuing his future best friend.

Middletown firefighters responded Thursday to a call on South Dixie Highway near Locust after a resident spotted a dog struggling in freezing pond waters. The timing couldn't have been better. The crew had just completed ice rescue training 10 days earlier.

Smith and his team carefully pulled the shivering dog to safety. With no collar or microchip, firefighters believe she's a stray who wandered onto the thin ice and fell through.

The grateful pup is now staying with Smith, who gave her the perfect name: Sausage. He's caring for her while they search for a possible owner, but he's already fallen for his four-legged rescue.

If no one claims Sausage, Smith plans to make the adoption official. What started as an emergency call might just become a forever friendship.

Sunny's Take

There's something beautiful about rescues that go both ways. Smith saved Sausage from the icy water, but in those moments of warming her up and watching her tail wag again, she probably rescued something in him too. That's the magic of the bond between humans and animals.

The Middletown Fire Department's recent training made all the difference in this happy outcome. Their preparation meant Smith could act quickly and safely, giving Sausage a second chance at life and possibly a loving home.

Sometimes the best things in life are unplanned, and Sausage might just be the perfect addition to Smith's family.