WATCH: Hero Officer Crawls Onto Thin Ice to Save Drowning Dog.
What began as a quiet winter afternoon quickly turned into a moment that had dog lovers holding their breath. When a dog fell through the ice of a frozen lake in New Jersey, one officer didn’t think twice; he acted.
Bodycam footage captures Sparta Patrolman Michael Poon carefully crawling across the icy surface at Lake Mohawk after a neighbor spotted two dogs wandering on the frozen lake and saw one plunge into the frigid water, as per ABC 7 News. With time running out and the dog struggling, Poon’s quick response turned a terrifying accident into a rescue that saved a life and warmed countless hearts. (Watch Video Above)
A Brave Officer Steps In—Just in Time
Without a moment’s hesitation, Poon slid into the freezing water and gently guided the struggling dog back onto the ice, then carefully escorted her to safety. Thanks to his quick actions, both dogs were unharmed and soon reunited with their relieved owner.
The rescued pup is Sunkiss, a 10-year-old Labrador with a playful streak, accompanied by her younger partner in mischief, 4-year-old Bruno. Their owner, Chance Dobbs, was at home during the rescue and had no idea the pair had slipped away.
He later explained that while the property is surrounded by an electric fence, the dogs managed to find a weak spot and make their escape, something Dobbs admits isn’t entirely new, especially for Sunkiss, who’s earned a bit of a reputation for adventure.
According to Dobbs, she’s the ringleader who taught Bruno how to slip away, too. “She’s a big-time instigator,” he said, adding that while her curiosity isn’t new, this time it crossed into real danger.
A Family Reunited—and an Important Reminder
Now that both dogs are safely back home, Dobbs says he’s deeply grateful to the Sparta Police Department for stepping in when it mattered most. He praised the officers for their training and dedication, calling them the often-unsung heroes who quietly protect the community.
As for Sunkiss, Dobbs hopes she’s learned something from her icy adventure, though he admits her spirited nature may never fully fade. In the meantime, authorities are reminding residents to be extra cautious around frozen bodies of water, for the safety of both people and their pets.
Officials are also urging the public to remain vigilant during the winter months, reminding residents that ice can be dangerously unpredictable. Even when it looks solid, conditions can change in an instant. They’re asking everyone to use extra caution around frozen lakes and ponds to help protect both people and their pets.
