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Rescuers in Ottawa ended 2024 on a high note, springing into action to save “Tika,” a golden retriever who fell through the ice on the Ottawa River on Monday, Dec. 30.
According to a release, Ottawa Fire Services received a 911 call at approximately 2:55 p.m. local time from the owners, who reported that their dog was at the end of an ice shelf near a boat launch in the river.
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When ice rescuers arrived on the scene, they found the dog about 30 feet from the shore, struggling to keep its head above the water and afloat.
“Our response times are fast, and our Ice Rescue Teams are highly trained and equipped with the appropriate equipment. Doing this will always keep you safe and is your pet’s best chance for survival.”
According to a Dec. 8 article from CTV News Ottawa, Ottawa Fire Services responded to three calls about dogs navigating ice the previous week.
Among the rescues was an elderly woman who fell into a pond in Stittsville, Ontario, after trying to pull her dog from the water. The woman received treatment for hypothermia symptoms and was transported to a hospital with serious injuries, paramedics said at the time.
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“If your dog does go through the ice, never go in and try to rescue them. Call 911 and try your best to get a visual signal on your pet,” Ottawa fire spokesperson Nick Defazio said in the article.
According to the Canadian Red Cross, ice should be at least 15 centimeters for a single person or 20 centimeters for a group to stand on the ice.
Ottawa Fire Services recommends that pet owners keep their pets on a leash at all times when near bodies of water to prevent the need for rescues.
