Firefighters Rescue Dog From Icy Ohio River

A curious dog got a second chance at life after volunteer firefighters plunged into icy river waters to save her.

Kita, a brown German Shepherd mix, wandered onto a sheet of ice along the Muskingum River near Duncan Falls, Ohio on February 17. The ice gave way, sending the 30 to 40 pound dog into the frigid water with no way out.

Seven firefighters from the Duncan Falls Volunteer Fire Department responded immediately. Lieutenant Cody Smith and firefighter Terry Gottke suited up in specialized Mustang Ice Commander Rescue Suits and anchored themselves with rope before entering the water with an inflatable board.

The water wasn't rushing, but it had enough force to make the rescue tricky. Smith knew if Kita fell through, the ice could give way under the divers too.

They got within six feet of Kita when more ice broke apart, sending everyone into open water. The rescue suits kept Smith and Gottke afloat as they used nearby ice chunks to brace themselves and move closer to the struggling dog.

Smith grabbed Kita's collar and guided her through a doggie paddle to the board. Together, the two firefighters lifted her onto the inflatable platform, where she immediately found a dry spot and held on tight.

The team slowly pulled the trio back to shore. Kita stayed pressed against the life preserver even after reaching land, understanding it had saved her life.

Once reunited with her owner, Kita refused to move from her rescuer's side. Her owner was overwhelmed with joy to have her back safe and uninjured.

Sunny's Take

This rescue meant more to the Duncan Falls team than just saving one beloved pet. Just three days earlier, they had responded to a fatal car accident that weighed heavily on everyone.

Smith called Kita's rescue a "paw-sitive outcome" that lifted spirits and reminded the crew why they volunteer. Sometimes the wins come on four legs instead of two.

The department's yellow insulated rescue suits are designed specifically for ice emergencies. The team practices water rescue training about once a year to stay prepared for moments exactly like this one.

Kita is now warm, dry, and back home where she belongs.