BONNEY LAKE, Wash. — While Washington warmed after weeks of withering winter weather, East Pierce Fire and Rescue’s Water Rescue station got an unusual call from Lake Tapps.
“Our fire chief had gotten a hold of our lieutenant that day and talked about there was a dog on the lake that’s been visible and out there for about an hour,” said Hannah Weaver, a paramedic with East Pierce Fire and Rescue.
Fire crews say the ice on the lake was two inches thick, but 911 callers say the dog had already fallen through twice, so the rescuers had to gear up and grab their drysuits, helmets and life vests to investigate.
When crews arrived, rescuers tried to entice the dog to the shore with treats, but that didn’t work, so they needed another plan fast before the situation got worse.
“Sometimes, when you get animals on the ice, it draws people out,” said paramedic Don Cole. “Then it becomes people AND animals out there, getting rescued.”
Eventually, one rescuer ventured onto the ice to bring the dog back to shore.
After a few hours, the dog was safely back on solid ground.
The dog was brought to Metro Animal Services. The animal agency says the dog, a potential Shar Pai mix breed, is doing just fine. It might be a year old and will be available for adoption soon.
The experience and the happy ending gave rescuers a chance to sharpen their skills.
“Every winter, we do go over ice rescues, but with our climate here, we don’t get to practice on it very often,” Weaver said. “So to be in an environment with that was helpful.”