Efforts Intensify to Find Owners of Dogs Rescued from Ice

Search efforts are underway for the owners of two dogs rescued after being found stranded on ice in the Detroit River over the weekend. The dogs were discovered on an ice flow on the afternoon of March 16, 2024, prompting a response from the LaSalle, Ontario Fire Service and local airboat operator Jude Mead.

Details surrounding how the dogs ended up on the ice remain unclear. According to Mark Seguin, Deputy Fire Chief of LaSalle, the fire department received numerous calls from concerned citizens who noticed the animals drifting down the river. “I don’t know where their journey started,” Seguin stated during a call with AM800 CKLW. “That would be interesting to know where they started from and how far they travelled.”

Rescue Operations and Veterinary Assessment

The fire service located the dogs north of Fighting Island, several hundred meters offshore. Given the challenging mixed ice and open water conditions, the team enlisted the help of Mead, who operates J&J Marine. “They were the ones that received the call. They’re the ones that located the dogs,” Mead explained. With the aid of an airboat, he and his crew were able to assist the fire department in the rescue operation.

Mead noted that the dogs appeared “a little bit scared” when responders approached but eventually became more receptive to being rescued. “They warmed up to the idea that they wanted to get off the ice and they got in,” he added. Mead emphasized the critical role played by the fire department in the rescue, stating, “The fire department is really the real heroes.”

After their rescue, the dogs were assessed by a veterinarian and are now housed at the Lakeshore Dog Pound in Emeryville. As of Monday, March 18, 2024, no owner had come forward to claim them. The Lakeshore Dog Pound is encouraging the dogs’ owner to reach out at 519-727-6495.

Safety Warnings for Pet Owners

Seguin took the opportunity to remind dog owners about the dangers of allowing pets near waterways during winter conditions. “No ice is safe,” he cautioned. “Conditions change quite rapidly, and you never know where you’re going to find yourself.” The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by unpredictable ice conditions.

As the search for the dogs’ owners continues, the community remains hopeful for a reunion. The LaSalle Fire Service, alongside local residents, has shown commendable initiative in ensuring the safety of these animals.