This was one lucky duck, or rather, dog.
At 6:57 am Wednesday, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services responded to a call about an ice float carrying a dog drifting down Alberta’s dangerously swift and cold North Saskatchewan River.
The chunk of ice was quickly approaching the Tawatinâ Bridge.
Firefighters spotted the helpless dog and sent out inflatable boats.
“The North Saskatchewan River is dangerous year round,” fire crews posted on social media.
Officials reached the dog, but it took some coaxing to retrieve it before reaching land at the Capilano Bridge by 8:09 am.
It’s unclear how long the dog was floating down the river or how it became stranded in such a predicament.
“We urge Edmontonians to keep pets leashed near embankments and on low-lying trails near access points into its water,” fire officials explained.
And if a pet does go in, call 911 for help.
“Do not attempt to rescue them yourself,” the fire department said, adding a link to ice safety and pet safety tips.
The dog survived the ordeal and seemed to be in good shape.
