When a dog fell into an icy retention pond in the Britton Falls neighborhood, Fishers firefighters responded, rescuing the lady and her dog.  A 911 call was placed around noon today from a woman located on Dillinger Lane, with a plea to save her dog in the retention pond.

The caller then told the 911 operator she was going to rescue the dog herself, despite the operator’s plea not to do so.  By the time rescue crews arrived, the woman had fallen in to the icy waters 15 feet from shore.

The woman was having trouble holding-on to the rescue rope while holding her dog at the same time, according to fire officials.  The dog finally got onto the ice, where the dog fell back into the water, but firefighters were able to rescue the dog.  The woman was quickly brought to safety without needing to hold-on to the dog.

The lady refused medical treatment and took her dog to a local veterinarian.

The rescue operation took about 5 minutes.

The Fishers Fire Department is pleased this incident turned out well, but is also taking this opportunity to remind local residents of the danger posed by icy neighborhood ponds.  Below is part of that statement from fire officials:

“Even if (the ice) looks solid, it may not be.  For central Indiana retention ponds, you should never play on or near them.  Stay off the ice and never sled towards them.  If someone or an animal should fall through the ice, do not go in after them.  Reach, Throw but Don’t Go!  Reach for them if they are close, throw them a rope or a flotation device but never go in after them.  This cold water is debilitating and can make you a victim as well.”