Poudre Fire Authority crews saved two dogs during two separate icy water rescues this week.
The first, a dog named Fay, fell into an icy Sheldon Lake around 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning, according to a post on PFA’s Facebook page.
A bystander reported the incident and PFA’s Station 2 launched its ice rescue swimmers to bring Fay back to shore. Fay’s owner was contacted and the dog was brought to a nearby veterinary hospital for evaluation, the post continues.
Less than a week later, another dog — a 4-year-old mixed breed named Tikka — fell through the ice on a pond at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area on Thursday, according to PFA.
Tikka’s owner called 911 and PFA’s Engine 6 crew responded, sending a firefighter into the pond in a special dry suit.
Tikka was placed inside an ambulance, where she was able to warm up after her rescue and posed for some photographs with the firefighter who saved her.
In both instances, PFA commended the dog owner and bystander for not entering the water to try to save Fay and Tikka. While some dog owners may be tempted, Fort Collins’ temperature fluctuations often lead to unstable ice, according to PFA spokesperson Annie Bierbower.
“We emphasize not entering the water because that can easily turn into two rescues in progress, instead of one,” Bierbower added.
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What to do if your dog falls through ice
- Call 911. Dispatchers will send PFA firefighters to your location to rescue your pet.
- Don’t go in after them.
- Don’t interfere while firefighters are rescuing your dog.
- Avoid this situation in the future by keeping your dog on a leash.
Source: Poudre Fire Authority and past Coloradoan reporting
Former Coloradoan reporter Jacy Marmaduke contributed to this report.
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