The initial days in a new home can be overwhelming for a rescue dog, often leading them to attempt escaping. In the case of Lucy, a recently adopted Labradoodle, she managed to slip away from her new owner during a walk. Fortunately, locating her didn't take long, but bringing her back home proved to be quite a challenge.
Lucy found herself stranded on a floating piece of ice in the Detroit River. It remains unclear how she ended up there, but she desperately clung to the ice as the freezing water flowed around her. The prolonged exposure to the cold put her at risk of hypothermia. Responding to the distress call, Wyandotte police officers, firefighters, and animal control officers swiftly arrived at the scene, ready to lend a helping hand.
Upon arrival, the rescue team discovered a frightened Lucy, her entire body soaked from lying on the ice. They carefully maneuvered the ice chunk closer to the riverbank, with one firefighter braving the submerged ladder while his colleagues secured him with a rope.
"The poor pooch somehow managed to climb onto a chunk of ice but it was drifting away in the river while the dog was freezing," stated the police department in their post.
During the rescue operation, one firefighter stabilized a ladder against a nearby dock while another descended into the frigid water. Using a catchpole, the firefighter skillfully looped it around Lucy's neck and gently guided her towards the ladder. Although the terrified pup had to spend a few seconds in the water, she was soon cradled safely in the firefighter's arms.
"It had such a happy outcome," remarked Wyandotte Assistant Fire Chief Tom Lyon. "She just had those big brown eyes, and she couldn't talk, but she probably was just so grateful."
Lucy was immediately warmed up and joyfully reunited with her concerned owner. A thorough examination by a veterinarian confirmed that she was in good health.
It is now certain that Lucy will spend her days snuggled up in a cozy blanket, keeping warm within the comforts of her new home and loving family.
