Dog Rescued After Terrifying Ice Plunge

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Control room operators received a call to a dog stuck in ice in Deadwater Valley, Bordon.

Adrian Whittle was walking Border Collie Max, 7, when Max ran round a corner and fell into the ice. Mr Whittle, aware of the dangers of entering the water himself, dialled 999 and requested assistance from the fire service.

Aware of the distress the owner was suffering Buster Brown, Animal Rescue Specialist for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service telephoned Mr Whittle to assure him that help was on its way and to ensure Mr Whittle did not endanger his own life.

Firefighters from Bordon attended the scene and immediately requested the attendance of the Multi Role Vehicle, which carries an inflatable Ice Path that could be used to reach the stranded animal. In the meantime crews attempted to attract the dogs attention.

Animal Rescue Specialist Buster Brown explained: “The crews used a general purpose line to try and attract the dogs attention, as the animal was facing away from where they were positioned on the bank. As the Ice Path was being deployed the crews managed to attract the dog with the line and then used it to entice him to swim to the bank. Max was then immediately wrapped in a foil blanket and rushed to the Vets.

Mr Whittle was sensible and called the fire service for assistance. It is important to remember that should a person or animal become trapped on or in frozen water not to attempt to make a rescue yourself as you could also become a casualty.”

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service offers the following advice:

o Do not venture onto the ice
o Ensure that children and animals are supervised at all times
o Do not throw animals toys onto or near frozen water
o If a person or animal does fall through the ice into the water call the emergency services immediately

Mr Whittle, who has recently suffered a family bereavement, expressed his thanks to the crews: “If it wasn’t for the fire service I would have suffered another tragic loss, as Max is an important part of the family. I can’t express my thanks enough, and have already been down to the station to thank the firefighters personally.

“I would also like to thank the lady and gentleman who were passing by and tried to assist me in getting Max’s attention to get him to safety. This incident could have turned out very differently had it not been for the fire crews quick action. It serves as a warning to other dog owners to ensure they keep an eye on their pets, but if something should go wrong, to call for assistance rather than put themselves in danger”.

Max is now at the vets and is expected to make a full recovery.

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