Firefighters help dog that wanders onto icy pond

Manhasset-Lakeville firefighters came to the aid of an adventurous dog Sunday after it dodged traffic on the Northern State Parkway and ended up stranded atop an iced-over pond.

Firefighters got the 3:45 p.m. call from a woman who said the dog had been running in the westbound lanes of the parkway, where she said it was hit by two cars. She then followed the dog to the pond in Lake Success, Chief Mike Uttaro said Monday.

Volunteer Sean Dolan said he and three others used an inflatable boat to chase the dog, slipping and sliding across the ice for about 45 minutes as other firefighters stood at the shore, trying to lure her in.

The dog "appeared injured and frightened," Dolan, 19, said. "We were afraid at some point it would fall through the ice."

It wasn't clear how strong the ice was, so rescuers wore insulated, rubber suits made for icy-water rescue.

"It turned out to be good training for the guys with their suits," Uttaro said.

Dolan and his partner, Marc Spagnoli, eventually jumped on the dog to contain her. The dog bit Spagnoli in the right hand, Dolan said. Dolan said his partner will be OK and that the dog seemed to have some leg injuries.

Firefighters tied the dog down and took her to the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter in Port Washington. Town spokesman Collin Nash said Monday the adult dog, a female white Korean Jindo, was not wearing any identification.

"I think she's really nervous," said shelter assistant director Sue Hassett. "She just doesn't want to be handled right now."

A veterinarian is expected to examine the dog Tuesday.