In Michigan, USA, it is the depths of winter, the landscapes and cities are picturesquely snow-covered, the lakes and rivers are frozen over.
Winter has also arrived in Georgetown Charter Township with plenty of snow and ice.
But entering the icy waters is risky, as the ice cover is not yet continuous everywhere and not thick enough to be stable.
Hazel, a brown Labrador dog, also has to make this experience.
From a thirst for adventure to icy doom
Hazel seems to love the winter weather and wants to explore the interesting white landscape.
Full of adventure, she sets off and doesn’t even stop at a lake covered in ice.
When she is already a few meters from the shore, the ice suddenly gives way under her paws and she slips into the icy water.
Fortunately, the lake is very close to Hazel’s home and the neighboring houses.
A neighbor looks out of the window and sees Hazel run onto the ice and fall into the water. She immediately realizes that the dog cannot be saved without the help of the fire department.
In a matter of seconds, she reaches for the phone and dials the emergency number. A few moments later, the fire department arrives, including Jeremy Vandenheuvel.
Not afraid of the cold
Jeremy is not only a firefighter, but also a diver and a great animal lover.
When he arrives at the lake, he immediately sees the dog’s desperate face. Hazel’s eyes and his meet. Jeremy senses what Hazel is trying to tell him:
„I have to get out of here and you’re my only hope.“
Jeremy does not hesitate to plunge into the icy water himself.
Although his protective clothing keeps out some of the cold, it hangs heavily on his body and the cold water sloshes up to his face.
But Jeremy hardly notices, because he is only thinking about the dog, who he is now holding securely. This is urgently needed, because Hazel has hardly any strength left.
Jeremy brings Hazel to the edge of the solid ice, but he can’t climb out of the water with her because he would slip off the ice.
Now the help of Jeremy’s colleagues is needed. They are already waiting with a rope, which they throw to Jeremy.
First the rope is used to pull the dog ashore, then her rescuer follows.
Recovery with lots of love
Hazel is visibly shaken, she is exhausted and her face is covered in ice. But she is happy and grateful to have been rescued.
In the meantime, her family has arrived and brought Hazel to a warm home where she can rest and be lovingly cared for.
The dog recovers quickly and when she has regained her strength, she pays her rescuer a visit at the fire station together with her family.
Everyone is happy that this unintentional adventure turned out so well. Hopefully Hazel remembers to stay away from icy waters.
Source: The Dodo
