Dog Falls Thru Ice, Saved by Mother of 8

February 22, 2008

SALINA, Kan. – A dog that fell through thin ice on a Kansas pond was later saved by an animal control officer and mother of eight.

The story has gotten national coverage since it broke midweek. Be sure to see the video, posted to the right of this story.

Jane Trostle was among other animal control and police officers who responded to a distress call late Tuesday. A black lab named Porter had fallen into the icy waters of a small pond after getting away from his owner.

Once on the scene, Trostle and the dog’s owner, Gabe Seim, walked out onto the water hoping to hook the dog’s collar with a branch. But the ice broke and they too fell in. Luckily, they were near enough to shore to easily get out of the cold water.

From the shoreline, officers attempted to Lasso the dog, who was only 30 feet away. But the struggling lab was too far for their rope.

Finally, Officer Trostle got on her stomach and slid out to Porter, with only an extension cord tied to her for safety. But the drastic move was necessary, as the animal was nearly exhausted from trying to keep afloat.

As Trostle neared Porter, the ice beneath her body cracked and she became submerged. She was wearing layers of clothing, which were immediately soaked and weighed her down. Yet she was able to grab hold of Porter and help him to shore.

Once near land, Seim jumped in and pulled his wary canine the rest of the way.

Following a quick check-up, both Seim and Trostle were given a clean bill of health. Porter is expected to make a full recovery.

“I don’t consider myself a hero,” Trostle said. “I was just doing my job.”

Trostle said she volunteered for two reasons – first to save the dog and second to prevent Seim from heading into the water again. The teen had already made numerous attempts to save his canine, falling into the frigid water more than once.

It started when Porter got away from Seim and a friend, who were walking the dog. When the teenagers realized he’d fallen in they tried to get him out, but fell in too. After crawling out of the pond they called the authorities.

Tell us what you think under this story. Post your favorite pet videos at the zootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas at news@zootoo.com or by calling us at 877-777-4204