Firefighters Rescue Labrador from Icy Pond in Westerly

In Westerly, Rhode Island, a yellow Labrador named Phoenix was rescued by firefighters on New Year's Day after falling through thin ice on a local pond during a morning walk with his owner.

The incident occurred early Thursday morning around 9 a.m., when Phoenix wandered onto the fragile ice covering the pond and broke through into the slushy, frigid water. According to the Misquamicut Fire Department, volunteer firefighters and emergency officials responded promptly to the water rescue call. Upon arrival, they found the dog struggling but unable to reach the shore on his own.

Firefighters from the Misquamicut and Watch Hill departments equipped themselves with specialized ice rescue suits designed to shield against extreme cold and ventured into the pond. The team successfully pulled Phoenix to safety without further incident. The National Weather Service recorded temperatures at 26 degrees Fahrenheit at the time, with wind chill making it feel like 14 degrees, conditions that heightened the risks of the operation.

Deputy Chief Steve Howard of the Misquamicut Fire Department described the dog's composure during the ordeal. "It was the chillest dog I've ever seen in my life,"...