Firefighters rescue golden retriever who fell through ice on Ottawa River

"Tika" the golden retriever was rescued from the icy waters of the Ottawa River on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (Jean Lalonde/Ottawa Fire Services)

Firefighters quickly intervened to save "Tika" the golden retriever who plunged through ice into the Ottawa River on Monday afternoon.

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Ottawa Fire Services say in a news release they received a 911 call at approximately 2:55 p.m. from the owners who reported their dog at the end of the ice shelf in the water near the Blair Road boat launch.

Ice rescue teams found the dog about 30 feet from the shore and was struggling to keep its head over the water.

"Our ice rescue technicians quickly set up for the rescue and a rescuer made their way out to the dog with a fortuna," Ottawa fire said.

Crews were able to safely get the dog out by 3:20 p.m. Tika is said to be doing well.

Ottawa Fire Services have made several ice rescues involving dogs this season. Officials are urging residents to stay off the ice.

"Credit to the owners who did exactly what we always preach if this happens: called 911 and stayed on land and didn’t try to make the rescue themselves," Ottawa fire said.

"Our response times are fast and our ice rescue teams are highly trained with the appropriate equipment. Doing this will always be your pet’s best chance for survival."