She sported a frosty mask, with ice delicately tracing her features.
In the midst of a snowy frolic around her Georgetown Charter Township home in Michigan, Hazel, a spirited black Lab, faced a sudden crisis when she ventured onto a frozen lake. In a heart-stopping moment, the inquisitive pup broke through the ice and plunged into the icy waters below.
Spotting Hazel’s anxious face peering above the surface, a concerned neighbor wasted no time and dialed 911, alerting authorities to the dire situation.
Upon arrival, Georgetown Township firefighter and diver Jeremy Vandenheuvel shared a poignant moment with Hazel as he locked eyes with the determined pup, diligently treading water but slowly succumbing to exhaustion.
Approaching the struggling dog, Vandenheuvel recalled the urgency in Hazel’s gaze, a silent plea for help. “It’s humbling to witness any life in jeopardy, whether animal or human. Those are truly critical moments,” he shared.
Clad in rescue gear, Vandenheuvel braved the icy waters, enveloping Hazel in his arms before being pulled to safety by rescuers on land.
Back on solid ground, Hazel began her road to recovery, grateful to be out of harm’s way. “The dog was extremely exhausted and had ice forming on its face and nose,” shared Georgetown Township Fire Department chief Matt DeWitt.
Reunited with her relieved family, Hazel could finally relax, surrounded by loved ones once again.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Hazel later visited the fire station to express her gratitude to the courageous rescuers who had saved her life.
“Hazel and her owner stopped by for a surprise visit to Station 3… Everyone has fully recovered and is doing well,” shared Georgetown Charter Township in a Facebook post, celebrating Hazel’s miraculous rescue and reunion with her rescuers.