KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Fire and Rescue crews acted fast to save the day for a dog stuck in the icy South Thompson River this morning.
Platoon Captain Darryl Cooper says crews responding to the incident off Thompson Drive this morning found a dog in the water holding on to the ice with its front paws.
“Engine 3 made a decision to redirect their efforts to East Shuswap Road. Engine 3 and Rescue 1 responded to East Shuswap Road, and walked out to where the dog was in the water,” He explains, “The guys got into ice rescue suits, got a 14-foot roof ladder, and a rope bag, and pulled the dog out.”
Another dog was in the area with the canine stuck in the river. Cooper says both animals had collars and tags, and they have called the dog’s owners.
“We just want to remind the public to please not go out on the ice,” He says, “If you do see a dog out there, give us a call. We’d rather have our trained guys go out in our suits to go rescue the dogs rather than risking somebody else’s life.”
Cooper adds, KFR has debated over the years whether to rescue pets in these situations and determined they will do so in the hopes members of the public won’t put themselves at risk instead.
