Crime & Safety
Dog Rescued After Sliding Down Ice-Covered Embankment In PW County
Prince William County fire officials said the dog slid several hundred feet down an embankment and became trapped.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — A family's dog was rescued by Prince William County firefighters on Wednesday after she slid down an icy embankment near her home in Dumfries.
Fire officials said they received a call Wednesday afternoon about a 10-year-old black lab named Shelby who had slid several hundred feet down an embankment and became trapped.
Crews from the River Oaks fire station arrived at the scene and confirmed Shelby could not safely climb up the embankment on her own, officials said.
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Animal Rescue Earlier this afternoon units were requested to assist a dog who had slid several hundred feet down an embankment near it’s home in Dumfries. Crews from Fire Station 23 (River Oaks) arrived and confirmed “Shelby” would need assistance getting up the ice-covered… pic.twitter.com/jAgru170YF
— PWC Fire & Rescue (@PWCFireRescue) January 28, 2026
According to officials, fire crews "went to work" to help Shelby, giving the dog what they described as a "free ride" back to safety.
Shelby appeared to be unhurt following the incident, officials said.
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In a message shared with the department, Shelby's owners expressed their gratitude and thanked the firefighters, calling them "an incredible group."
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