St. Louis firefighters rescued a dog that fell through the ice into freezing water during single-digit temperatures

By Crystal Huggins
Jacksonville Journal-Courier

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — What started as a routine winter day in the St. Louis area quickly turned into a dramatic rescue after a dog fell through the ice and became trapped in freezing water.

On Monday, the St. Louis Fire Department responded to a call about a dog that had wandered onto a frozen body of water during single-digit temperatures. The ice gave way, plunging the dog into frigid water and leaving it unable to swim back to safety.

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The department’s Marine Rescue Task Force was quickly dispatched. Crews navigated the frozen conditions and reached the dog just in time, pulling it onto their rescue boat and bringing it to shore.

STLFD said the dog is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery.

“In the grip of single-digit temperatures, a dog wandered onto the ice and suddenly found itself in a life-threatening situation,” STLFD wrote in a Facebook post alongside video of the rescue. “Crews launched, navigated the frozen conditions, and reached the dog just in time. We’re happy to report the dog is safe and recovering.”

The video has since gone viral, racking up nearly 10 million views in just a few days.

In the footage, rescuers can be heard reassuring the frightened dog, telling it, “We got you, bubba. You okay, buddy?”

The dramatic rescue was over in minutes, but its impact traveled far beyond St. Louis.

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