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Rescue Crews Save Dog Trapped In Icy Reservoir

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)—A dramatic scene unfolded live right on WJZ-TV, as a dog struggles to survive after falling through thin ice.

Kai Jackson has the exclusive story on how firefighters came to the rescue.

That rescue unfolded on WJZ-TV on Thursday during the 6 p.m. news. Rescue crews were swift in the effort to rescue the trapped dog, but the work was very dangerous.

Sky Eye Chopper 13 was high above the Loch Raven Reservoir in Baltimore County. It's hard to see, but a dog was stuck in the ice.

"The animal seemed to be doing remarkably well. I would estimate that it probably been in the water for a good 30 minutes," said Simon Phillips, Baltimore watershed ranger.

Phillips says an owner let her dog off the leash while walking near the reservoir and the animal bolted.

"The dog probably got excited by something it saw," Phillips said. "It took off, and the next thing she knew, the dog was running onto the reservoir and onto the ice."

The city of Baltimore does allow recreational use of the reservoir, but this dog stuck in the ice is an example of how dangerous those bodies of water can be.

The Texas Station Advance Tactical Rescue team in Cockeysville is among an elite group that's qualified to make such a daring and dangerous rescue.

"I have to assess the situation to determine whether it's worth risking somebody for this animal," said Captain Charles Tudor.

Rescue crews determined it was a low-risk operation. Specialist Joe Holland got the dog out.

The dogs limbs' and movements were "quite good," Holland said. "He actually drug me across the ice. I had to let go of his collar so he could go back to his owners."

Capt. Mike Perry summed it up best.

"I love a happy ending," he said.

Indeed, it was a happy ending. But watershed rangers remind pet owners that your animals should be kept on leashes around reservoirs.

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