Dog Rescued from Frozen Pond in Fort Collins

Firefighters save pup after it fell through ice near Harmony Road

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Emergency responders in Fort Collins, Colorado rescued a dog that had fallen through the ice on a pond near Harmony Road. Multiple bystanders called 911 after seeing the medium to large dog struggling to stay afloat in the freezing water, unable to pull itself out. A firefighter in a special ice rescue suit was able to reach the dog and help it out of the icy pond.

Why it matters

This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of venturing onto frozen bodies of water, especially during the winter months. The Poudre Fire Authority stressed the importance of calling 911 and not attempting a rescue yourself, as that often leads to more people needing to be saved.

The details

Several bystanders, including children, had gathered around the pond and were trying to coax the dog out of the water before emergency responders arrived. A firefighter wearing a specialized ice rescue suit was able to reach the struggling dog and pull it to safety. The Poudre Fire Authority emphasized that the public should "THROW - DON'T GO" when witnessing someone or an animal in distress on frozen water, and instead call 911 for professional rescue assistance.

  • The call came in to emergency services on February 1, 2026.

The players

Poudre Fire Authority

The fire department that responded to the emergency call and conducted the ice rescue operation to save the dog.

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What they’re saying

“Rescue attempts by bystanders often result in more people needing rescued, so stay on dry ground and call for help.”

— Poudre Fire Authority

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of heeding warnings about the dangers of frozen bodies of water and calling emergency services rather than attempting a dangerous rescue yourself. The quick actions of the Poudre Fire Authority likely prevented a tragic outcome.