In the early hours of Sunday, a police officer was on patrol when a dispatcher with the Fort Wayne Police Department alerted him about a report from a worried citizen.
A concerned call reported that a mysterious black object was protruding from the icy waters at a local park pond in Fort Wayne, Indiana, accompanied by loud barking sounds.
Officer Trent Hullinger, immediately suspecting what was happening, hurried to the scene, hoping to reach it in time.
Heroic Officer
The moment Officer Hullinger arrived at the park and scanned the area, he quickly spotted not one but two black heads at the pond’s edge. As he approached, the barking intensified.
When he reached them, it became clear that two black Labradors were in distress, struggling to escape the icy waters.
“The dogs seemed unable to free themselves as their heads and front paws were gripping the concrete border surrounding the pond,” reported the police department in a statement.
With the temperature dropping to 34 degrees Fahrenheit, these poor dogs were left shivering from the cold. Yet, they stood bravely together, waiting for help until the officer arrived.
Gradually, Officer Hullinger approached the frightened Labradors and offered a hand to rescue them from the frigid water. With his help, the first lab soon surfaced, shaking off the excess water and joyfully circling around his savior.
Afterward, the other lab was rescued, and both dogs exuberantly followed the officer to dry ground.
Looking Ahead
After the successful operation, the officer promptly contacted Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to report the incident, and they took over the care of the two dogs shortly afterward.
The circumstances that led the two Labradors to this predicament were unclear. Thankfully, a dedicated officer was at the right place at the right time to rescue them.
“We’re relieved the officer managed to save them before they suffered any health consequences,” stated a representative from Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control in an interview with The Dodo.
Attempts were made by the police and shelter staff to locate the dogs’ owner; unfortunately, no one came forward to claim them. Consequently, the dogs were moved to the city’s animal shelter to receive the care needed for a full recovery.
“They are doing well and are thankfully in excellent health,” the spokesperson added.
If no one comes forward to claim the dogs, these two brave Labradors will soon be available for adoption. Their rescuer, along with the shelter staff, believes these dogs will find their happy endings.
It would be wonderful if they could start their new lives together, just as they supported each other during their time of need.
We can all send them our best wishes for the future.
