Shrewsbury Fire Department Saves Dog From Retention Pond

SHREWSBURY, MA – The Shrewsbury Fire Department saved a dog from the mud of a retention pond on Wednesday, Feb. 21, Chief James Vuona said. Firefighters responded to the intersection of Holman Street and Tip Pond Road around 8:10 a.m. for a report of a dog trapped in the mud. The caller told first responders that her dog ran off in the middle of a walk and got stuck in the middle of the pond.

Fire crews found the dog toward the center of a retention pond, which was partially covered by a thin layer of ice, according to Vuona. A firefighter assigned to Engine 1 entered the water in a protective suit and freed the dog, Vuona said.

"With the recent fluctuations in temperature, it's important that residents do not attempt to walk out on any ice because it can be extremely dangerous regardless of the depth of the water," Vuona said in a statement. "This dog owner did the right thing by calling us instead of trying to free the dog herself. Given that students are on school vacation this week, we were also concerned that children passing by may have seen the dog and tried to help, thus putting themselves in danger."

No injuries were reported.

Photos via Shrewsbury Fire Department