Firefighters rescue pooch from frozen pond in Rhode Island

Golden, retriever.

Dramatic photos and video show firefighters crawling through dangerously thin ice to rescue a golden retriever who fell into a frozen pond during a morning walk.

Rhode Island firefighters raced through dangerously thin ice to rescue a dog who fell into a frozen pond during a morning walk with his owner, dramatic photos and video show.

The rescue took place just before 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day at Little Masachaug Pond, according to the Misquamicut Fire Department.

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The dog — identified by the fire department in a Facebook post as “Phoenix, a golden retriever” — wandered into the pond and fell through a thin layer of ice near the center, leaving the animal struggling in the freezing water as its owner watched from shore, officials said.

Firefighters from multiple departments responded within minutes, donning specialized ice rescue suits and carefully crawling across the unstable surface to reach the dog.

According to the Misquamicut Fire Department, crews along with the Western Ambulance Corps and Western Police Department were dispatched after receiving reports of a dog trapped in the icy pond.

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In this photo provided by the Misquamicott Fire Department, firefighters prepare to rescue a dog in Westerly, Rhode Island, on Thursday, after it fell through thin ice into a pond. (Misquamicut Fire Department via AP)

“Volunteers arrived on scene within minutes and located Phoenix, a golden retriever, struggling in the water and unable to move with his owner safely on shore,” the department said in a Facebook post.

Deputy Chief Howard requested additional assistance from the Watch Hill Fire Department, which brought specialized ice rescue equipment to the scene.

Firefighters wearing bright orange and red ice rescue suits were seen crawling across the frozen pond while tied to safety ropes as chunks of ice broke around them.

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Phoenix was rescued by firefighters in Westerly, Rhode Island, on Thursday, after the dog fell through thin ice into a pond. (Misquamicut Fire Department via AP)

The administration said: “Members of the two fire departments quickly put on ice rescue suits and entered the pond, and carried out a quick and successful rescue operation.”

Additional personnel placed equipment on shore, including an inflatable rescue boat, while crews worked to extract Phoenix from the icy waters.

Phoenix and the firefighters were safely returned to shore and “were all in good condition when they were on scene,” officials said.

Firefighters from both departments were evaluated by EMS for possible hypothermia but did not require treatment.

The dramatic rescue quickly received praise on social media.

Firefighters rescue Phoenix in Westerly, Rhode Island, after the dog fell through thin ice in a pond. (Misquamicut Fire Department via AP)

“God bless you for saving this puppy. Responders like you remind us that goodness and kindness exist,” one Facebook user wrote.

Another commenter added: “We are all so lucky to have such amazing fire and rescue departments. Very lucky dog!”

Fire officials used the incident to remind the public of the dangers posed by frozen ponds.

“No ice is ever safe,” the department warned, noting that while firefighters train extensively for ice and cold water rescues, situations remain extremely dangerous.

The rescue marked the Misquamicut Fire Department’s first call of 2026, with officials praising the quick response and teamwork shown by all agencies involved.

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“All MFD and WHFD chiefs extend their thanks to all participants for their quick response and teamwork this morning,” the ministry said.

The Misquamicut Fire Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for additional comment.