Dog Falls Through Ice in LaGrange, Local Firefighters To The Rescue

Dog Rescued After Falling Through Ice in Dutchess County

It's been a chilly winter so far across the Hudson Valley. Many bodies of water are slowly starting to freeze over, but many of them in the region are no frozen solid enough for people or pets to be walking on.

On Thursday, February 13th, 2025, the Lagrange Professional Firefighters were called out to the area of Stringham Park after they received reports of a dog falling through the ice.

According to their social media statement, the "highly trained ice water rescue technicians" were in the scene and in the water immediately. Thankfully, they were able to get the pup out of the water and off the ice.

READ MORE: Dog Rescued After Terrifying Escape on NYS Thruway

Lagrange Professional Firefighters report that the dog is reportedly "unharmed and very happy to be out of the water!"

Ice Safety in New York State

As the LaGrange Professional Firefighters stated in their Facebook post, the dog falling through the ice serves as a reminder "to stay off any ice that you haven’t tested."

More importantly they write:

Just because the water is iced over, doesn’t mean it’s safe to enter.

So when is it safe to walk on ice over a body of water?

Every winter different agencies across the state will share information about ice thickness and how safe it is. New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services shared the following ice safety tips:

• 4" of clear ice is required to support an average person's weight.
• Strong ice is clear with a bluish tint.
• Weak ice appears milky & porous.
• Ice does not freeze uniformly.

The following document explains further when it is safe to walk and drive on ice:

Learn more at DHSES.ny.gov/ice-safety.

Keeping Your Pets Safe During Harsh NY Winters.

There are some harsh temperatures headed our way this week. With wind chills making it feel like - 2 degrees on some days.

Keeping yourself along with your pets safe should be a top priority. The NYS Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Response says limit your pets time outside, no longer than 10 to 15 minutes.

They add to protect their paws from salt and ice with petroleum jelly or vet-approved paw protectant. And, as silly as it sounds, dressing your pet in a coat or booties will keep them safe especially they have short hair or are smaller breeds.

Speaking of winter safety...if you're heading out on the trails in these chilly temperatures take a look at some of these winter hiking safety tips below: