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Humane Society Honors Crew That Rescued Dog From Reservoir

COCKEYSVILLE, Md. (WJZ) -- A yellow lab fell through the ice. For over an hour in freezing water, he struggled to get free.

Suzanne Collins reports members of the rescue team who saved him were honored for going beyond the call of duty.

"You can just see the white Labrador retriever. Right now he is holding on to the ice ledge," said Captain Mike Perry.

Sky Eye Chopper 13 was over Loch Raven Reservoir in February as a dog fell through the ice. It was clear that he couldn't get out even though it was only three feet deep.

Baltimore County's Search and Rescue Team was called into action and a rescuer crawled out on the thin ice.

"I put my hand out and he gave me a nice little sniff. I grabbed his collar. He came right out of the water. I tried to hold on to his collar, but he was eager to hold on to his owner, so he was actually dragging me across the ice," said fire specialist Joe Holland.

Toby's owner says he saw some geese and ran off onto the ice. When she called him, he turned and suddenly dropped down into the cold water.

After an hour in freezing water, Toby was safe and quickly recovered. For a job well done, the rescuers were honored Tuesday by the Baltimore Humane Society.

"These people are wonderful people who do dangerous things every day. For them to get in ice cold water and protect pets, means so much to us at the Humane Society. We just thought it was nice to recognize them for that," said Elizabeth Silber, Baltimore Humane Society.

The search and rescue team says it's important to save animals, not just for their welfare, but for another reason, as well. Animal owners often end up in the same dangerous situation trying to save their pet.

"So when we get situations like this we do try to help as much as we can, knowing the homeowner isn't just going to stand by and just watch," said Captain Charles Tudor, Baltimore County Fire.

Now a couple of months later, Toby is back, no worse for the wear. The rescuers say they're thrilled to be honored.

"I'm a dog owner myself, so there's a special place in my heart for animals and I'm glad we could help out," said Holland.

The Texas Rescue Team is trained for all sorts of special rescues, from high-rise buildings, trenches and water rescues.

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