View photo/Mike Spence Local animal control officers tend to Bubba after the dog was pulled from the icy pond at Cattail Crossing on Monday.

PW firefighters rescue pooch from icy Cattail Crossing pond

By MIKE SPENCE
The Pueblo West View

A local pooch named Bubba who went out for a mid-day jaunt got more than he bargained for on Monday.

Bubba, who appeared to be a golden retriever or yellow lab, wandered out on the ice at Cattail Crossing and fell through a thin spot near the center of the pond.

The yelping dog couldn't pull himself back onto the ice and after a while struggled to simply to keep its head above water.

Passersby alerted animal control authorities, who in turn called the Pueblo West Fire Department.

PWFD crews arrived on the scene. Under the direction of PW Fire Chief Brian Caserta, the crews brought in ice rescue equipment. Firefighters Jimmie Graff and Mike Darnell slid an aluminum rescue boat out to the dog and pulled him on board. Fellow firefighters helped pull the craft back to shore.

"This is the first rescue like this we've had this year," Caserta said. "We had two last year."

All three of the rescues have involved animals, Caserta said.

"Fortunately, we haven't had to rescue a person," Caserta said.

Caserta said the rescue provided a poignant reminder that it's not wise to walk out on ice.

"You don't know how thick it is and you're taking a big risk," Caserta said.

Bubba was rushed to animal control officers who covered him in blankets and gave him oxygen. The animal was wearing a tag and the officers said they would attempt to contact the owner.

The dog would be returned to its owner if the owner could be contacted. If not, it would be taken to the humane shelter until picked up.

Caserta said six PWFD personnel have completed ice rescue training and another was in Grand Junction taking a class on Monday.

"We have two sets of ice rescue equipment and hope to get more," Caserta said.

Email

Print