Dog Rescued After Falling Through River Ice in Buchanan

Firefighters and state police worked together to save the pet

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Buchanan Township firefighters responded to a report of a dog in the river around 6 p.m. on Saturday near the 4000 block of Bear Cave Rd. With the assistance of Michigan State Police, firefighters were able to locate the dog, which was running across the ice and eventually fell through. A rescue team was deployed and safely rescued the dog, returning it to its owner.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of emergency responders being prepared to handle rescues of pets and animals that find themselves in dangerous situations, especially during the winter months when ice can be unpredictable. The quick actions of the firefighters and state police likely saved the dog's life.

The details

Firefighters were called to the scene after receiving a report of a dog in the river. With the help of Michigan State Police, they were able to locate the dog, which had been running across the ice before falling through. A rescue team was deployed and successfully pulled the dog from the water, reuniting it with its grateful owner.

  • On Saturday, February 7, 2026 around 6 p.m., firefighters responded to the call near the 4000 block of Bear Cave Rd.

The players

Buchanan Township Firefighters

The local fire department that responded to the emergency call and conducted the rescue operation.

Michigan State Police

The state law enforcement agency that assisted the local firefighters in locating and rescuing the dog.

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The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and the vital role first responders play in keeping both people and pets safe, even in dangerous winter conditions.