New York State Trooper Rescues Lab From Icy Pond

A yellow Labrador retriever survived an icy dip in a partially frozen pond in Westchester County on Saturday as temperatures hovered in the single digits.

The dog, Shelby, had fallen through the ice near running trails behind John F. Kennedy High School in the Town of Somers shortly at 12:15PM. New York State Police, the Somers Volunteer Fire Department and the Somers Police Department responded to the scene.

The responders were met by a woman who identified herself as Shelby's owner. The woman told responders she didn't know where her husband -- who tried to rescue the dog -- was, according to the Somers Volunteer Fire Department's Facebook post on the incident. The man was later found soaking wet on one of the nearby trails and was brought to the parking lot for treatment.

Trooper Christopher Spallone said Shelby, who was still in the pond, appeared to be in distress because of the frigid water temperature. He walked out onto the ice and was able to rescue the dog but fell through the ice and into the water when he was returning to the shoreline.

Officer Curtis Dustin of the Somers Police Department and Michael Cyrulik of the the Somers Volunteer Fire Department helped Spallone back to the shoreline, according to the New York State Police press release. Dustin was exposed to the cold water when he went into the pond to assist Spallone.

Spallone was transported to Northern Westchester Hospital by the Somers Fire Department and was treated and released. Dustin was treated at the scene and declined further medical treatment.

Shelby was treated by Somers Volunteer Fire Department member who is also a veterinarian. She was released from care and is expected to make a full recovery.