By Marcela Creps 331-4375 |
mcreps@heraldt.comA dog rescued from the frigid waters of Lake Lemon continues to recuperate after over 10 hours in the ice-covered water.
The dog’s calls for help began about 2 a.m. Tuesday when a resident on the lake heard a distressed howling. About noon, the resident notified the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office who went out to investigate.
Animal Management Officer Rebecca Brown saw the dog stuck in ice and mud about 200 feet from the shoreline. The dog was partially submerged in the water and wasn’t moving. When the dog began to move and yelp, Brown and Lt. Bill Henderson joined Marvin Richardson and Bryan Crandall, members of the Benton Township Volunteer Fire Department, in a rescue effort.
The group borrowed a boat from a neighbor which they used to get to the dog. According to rescuers, the water was only about two feet deep with about an inch of ice on top that easily cracked under their body weight. Under the water was thick mud which would have made it difficult to walk to the animal. Using the boat to make their way across the water, the crew took turns using an ax to break the ice as they moved towards the animal.
During the rescue, the dog perked up and moved his body towards rescuers although he was unable to move much, possibly because he was stuck in the mud. Once rescuers got close, Brown was able to pull the dog into the boat.
The dog was taken to a local veterinarian where he continues to be treated for hypothermia. The mostly brown chow/shepherd mix was wearing a black collar with no tags or a microchip.
Anyone who can identify the dog’s owner is asked to call Brown at the sheriff’s office at 349-2585.
Photos of the rescue and dog will be posted later today.
