On the Brink: Dog Pulled From a Frozen Pond in the Nick of Time
It was a bitter winter day in Onduwa, Iowa, when a dog named Doug-Doug fell through ice and plunged into a frozen-over pond. Doug-Doug thrashed desperately, unable to climb back onto the icy ledge—likely minutes away from dying of hypothermia in the frigid waters. Then, Fire Chief Loren McIntosh arrived.
After receiving a call about Doug-Doug’s grave situation, McIntosh rushed to the scene. Thinking fast, he took a nearby kayak and made his way to the struggling dog, pulling him to safety. Doug-Doug was shivering and in shock, but was otherwise unharmed, thanks to the chief’s swift action. Soon after, the resilient canine was back home with his family, safe and warm.
A Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Wapello County Rural Fire Department, recognizing the team’s determination in saving an animal in need.
Keeping Companions Safe in Winter
As temperatures plummet, it’s important to keep companion animals safe. Cold weather and winter storms contribute to numerous deaths, injuries, and near-miss rescues each year—and most incidents never make the news. Bring your companions indoors, warm them up with coats and protective winter gear, and tell your friends and neighbors to do the same.
We can all be everyday heroes for animals by acting quickly when we see a companion in distress. If you encounter an animal emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Every year, PETA fieldworkers and officers respond to calls about dogs who froze to death, their stiff, lifeless bodies still attached to chains. If you see companion animals kept chained or penned outside 24/7 or without adequate shelter from the elements, note the animals’ exact location and alert local law enforcement authorities immediately. Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted.
