~*~ Keep your dogs on leash ~*~

[Andrushkin33]

For all the negativity that eastern European fisherman get I had to share this.

Lake Hopatcong Sunday.

Finally with a solid ice fishing we are having more and more people are getting out on ice to enjoy it. Fisherman, families and what not. I seen a lot of people bringing out their dogs to enjoy ice on lakes. Incident below is a reason I stress importance of keeping your dog on a leash while ice walking it.

While fishing on Hopatcong a family came down with a dog to enjoy a walk on hard water. As we all know boat ramps at houses and clubs are mostly ice free with an open water all over them. We know that but dogs apparently don't. Behold within minutes while running around dog was in a water. While family was having a good time it was obvious that dog was not. Within minutes you could see that hypothermia set in and dog was barely staying afloat with no way to get out from water either to shore or on ice. A friend of my (god bless his soul) saw what was happening and couldn't stay there and watch... he dropped on ice and pretty much crawled to the edge spreading his weight to get to the poor dog. Now this guy was risking his own life to save a furry friend while the owners stood there with their eyes wide open. When he got to the edge, dog was already going under exhausted. To his astonishment not only dog was of the leash, it had no collar on as well. In a last moment he managed to grab dog by its ears and pull it out from water and unto safe ice. He risked his life to save a dog for people he simply never saw before in his life. Just wanted to give him thanks for his selfish action and a reminder for all of people who do enjoy taking their fur legged friends out to be vigilant and keep them on a leash. Or at least leave a collar on.

Thank you...

P.S. On a side note I know my buddy has a soft spot for gods creatures in distress since I have seen him jumping in Salmon River to save a pigeon that somehow got in a water and was drowning.

Please be safe out there and look out for your friends and pets.

Andre