Dog falls through ice in Concord, saved by dog walker
CONCORD - A dog walker was rushed to the hospital Friday afternoon after saving a dog that fell through the ice in Concord.
Shauna Butler was walking two dogs for Walden Pet Services at the October Farm near Balls Hill Road just before noon. One of the dogs, Tennie, got off his leash and ran onto the ice, which then broke and the dog went into the frigid water. Butler went in to get Tennie, but ended up shoulder deep in water, so she called for help.
"By the time she got to solid land, she was freezing," said Eliza Randazzo, a fellow dog walker who Butler reached out to for help.
Both Butler and Tennie got out of the frigid water before first responders arrived. The Concord Fire Department said they were getting ready for an ice rescue training session when the call came in, so they already had their gear and ATVs ready to help.
Because the area was so marshy, fire crews had to use a stokes basket to load up Butler and Tennie. They were put on an ATV and brought back the rest of the way. Butler was then packed in blankets, put on a stretcher and taken away in an ambulance.
Firefighters said Butler wasn't injured, just freezing cold. Butler was treated at the hospital and released and is now recovering at home with Tennie, who is also OK.
Despite the recent cold, pond ice in many areas is still thin. Concord firefighters said if your dog falls through ice, call 911 and don't jump into the water after them.
"Everyone loves their dogs but if we have just the pet to worry about, that's a lot easier for us," said Concord Fire Capt. Bradford Ferrie.