In a daring rescue that unfolded in Midland, Michigan, a six-year-old Irish setter named Koufax was pulled from the icy grips of a frozen river after a fall during a wild deer chase. Firefighters from the Midland Fire Department sprang into action on Monday after receiving an emergency call about the distressed dog at Emerson Park, according to CBS Detroit.
The rescue team arrived to find Koufax frantically trying to stay afloat in the middle of the river. The situation escalated quickly, the firefighters had to move fast, just as the dog disappeared beneath the cold surface. They deployed rescue swimmers who managed to reach and secure the freezing animal, bringing it safely back to shore, as reported by TMX.
Koufax was immediately taken to the M-20 Animal Hospital for urgent medical attention. Upon arrival, the dog was "drenched, ice cold, unresponsive and barely alive", the hospital shared an update via a Facebook post. Within approximately two hours of lifesaving care which involved warming and constant monitoring, the resilient setter began responding to voices and moving, even licking his rescuers in gratitude, details WKBD.
His recovery continued to inspire optimism, as he was soon up, eating warm chicken and basking in a warm lap. Koufax’s owner, who wisely opted to call for professional help rather than attempting a risky self-rescue, was reunited with their beloved pet and together they returned home for further recovery. The dog was reported to be doing better as of Monday, signifying a happy close to what could have been a tragic episode, according to CBS Detroit.
