Terrified Terrier Rescued by Neighbors, Firefighters

March 17, 2001
Stamford, Connecticut, USA

Marie McKinnon and her husband Bob hadn't even finished closing on their new home at Hedge Brook Lane; they were taking a walk around the property with seller Mary Smoot when they spotted something struggling in a small pond.

"Oh God," Marie recalls Ms. Smoot saying, "That's our neighbor's dog Luke."

Ms. Smoot ran back for help while the McKinnons rushed to the edge of the icy pond.

Luke, a soft-coated Wheaton terrier, had apparently escaped from his fenced yard next door and wandered out onto the thin ice, which cracked beneath his 40-pound weight.

"The dog started whining. It was the worst feeling because I have two dogs of my own," Ms. McKinnon said. "I don't know what I was thinking, but I took off my shoes, coat and jewelry and dove in."

She managed to swim out to the panicked animal, but encountered considerable difficulty in getting him out.  She recounts, "He was very anxious and nervous. When I tried to get near him, he'd bite me.  I tried to throw him up on the ice, but he broke right through it."

But moments later, more help arrived.  Long Ridge firefighters, concerned neighbors and Luke's owner Lisa Geotes all got to the scene just as Ms. McKinnon, exhausted and shivering, was forced to give up and swim back to shore.

John Carlo and Daniel Boudreau, part of the internationally accredited Long Ridge Fire Company Water Rescue Team, donned protective dry suits and were able to extract the dog from the freezing water.

Luke was wrapped up in a blanket and rushed to the Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center in Norwalk (email erikadvm@aol.com) where he was treated for hypothermia and shock.  At last report, Luke's prognosis was good, and he is scheduled to be released later today.

Marie McKinnon was treated at a hospital and released in time to make it back to close on her new house.  After her icy dip, she could probably use a good house-warming party.

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