Ed Berger, a resident of Massachusetts, recently had an unexpected and harrowing experience while walking his two dogs. It was a regular outing until Tommy, his eight-year-old Cockapoo, spotted some birds and gave chase.
Tommy’s pursuit led him onto the frozen surface of Lake Waban. Tragically, as soon as he stepped onto the ice, it gave way beneath him, plunging him into the frigid water below. Trapped and cold, Tommy shivered in fear but placed his trust in his owner to come to his rescue.
Seeing his beloved pet struggling in the ice-cold water, Berger acted quickly. He asked a passerby to call 9-1-1 and then borrowed a boat from nearby Wellesley College to reach Tommy. In a twist of misfortune, the boat capsized, leaving Berger in the freezing lake as well. Even with emergency services on their way, the situation seemed dire. “There’s nothing more horrific than not being able to get to your dog. You love them as if they were family,” Berger expressed to NBC 10 Boston.
The Wellesley Fire Department soon arrived to handle the situation. Dressed in protective rescue suits, a couple of firefighters began their cautious trek across the ice, ensuring they were safely tethered to the shore for support. They reached Berger first, bringing him to safety, before returning to rescue the distressed Tommy, who was frantically barking as they neared him.
Once back on solid ground, both Berger and Tommy received immediate attention. Berger was taken to Newton-Wellesley Hospital for evaluation, while the police ensured Tommy got treated for hypothermia at a local clinic. In light of this incident, the Massachusetts government has reminded pet owners to refrain from attempting risky rescues on icy surfaces, advising them to seek professional help instead. “Do not attempt to rescue the pet; go find help. Well-meaning pet owners can easily become victims themselves when trying to assist their pets,” warns Mass.gov.
After receiving the necessary medical care, Berger and Tommy safely returned home. Grateful for the assistance of the emergency responders, they were relieved to be back together, healthy and content.
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