Dogs Rescued from Icy Waters in Two Separate Incidents in Loudoun

Loudoun area first responders saved two dogs found in icy waters in the county in separate incidents on Friday.

Around 7:37 a.m., crews responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a person trapped in an icy pond in the 300 block of Whipp Drive SE in Leesburg, according a Loudoun County release.

They found a dog struggling in the ice, approximately 70 feet from the shore. Two members of the ice rescue team, Firefighter Wade Mahaffey and Firefighter Jason Ilowite, suited up and entered the water. They worked together to rescue the dog.

The owner said she had been walking the dog near the side of the pond when she fell and the dog broke free and chased geese onto the center of the ice. She became partially submerged in the icy water while first trying to rescue the dog herself, but was able to get out and call for help.

Read: Frozen Ice Rescue a Reminder of Thin Ice on Area Waters

Around 10:36 AM, March 6, Loudoun County received a second 9-1-1 call for a report of a dog trapped in the icy water of a retention pond in the 21000 Block of Ridgetop Circle in Sterling.

Firefighters found the small dog approximately 120 feet from the shore, and a second dog had reportedly gone under the water. Firefighter Jeremy Mader rescued the first dog. It was transported to a local veterinarian.

The second dog was recovered minutes later, but efforts to revive the dog were unsuccessful.

“Loudoun County Fire-Rescue reminds residents to stay off the ice in retention ponds, ponds, creeks, rivers, and lakes, remaining watchful for children and pets attempting to venture onto the ice,” according to the release. “With fluctuating temperatures in the area, the ice is unstable and unsafe.”

Read more at loudoun.gov.