Dog Rescued After Falling Through Ice Into Plainfield Pond

PLAINFIELD, IL — A German shepherd named Maverick had a close call Tuesday morning falling through the ice into a pond. Plainfield Fire Chief Jon Stratton said firefighters got a call about the 10-month-old dog in the icy water near Drauden Road and Catherine Drive around 7 a.m.

Firefighters who arrived found a good Samaritan in a kayak, who was attempting to get to the dog but couldn't reach him.

Stratton said the kayaker, later identified as Mike Stover, and Maverick were 50 to 60 feet from shore.

Firefighter/paramedic Bill Cascone put on a cold water rescue suit — also known as a "Gumby suit," Stratton said — and went into the water to retrieve the dog, who was treading water. Using a rope, Lt. Brian Stevens and firefighter/paramedic Dennis House pulled Cascone and the dog to shore.

Stratton said Maverick was wearing a tag that had his owners' phone number on it. He said the owners were frantic and had been searching for their missing pet for about an hour when they got the call.

Maverick was warmed up after suffering from cold exposure, and also had a cut on his paw, Stratton said. His owners took him to the vet immediately and reported that he was doing well, according to Stratton.

Stratton urged every pet owner to make sure their phone number is on their dog's tags, which allowed Maverick's owners to be found quickly.

On Wednesday, fire officials said they had been in touch with Stover, the kayaker who attempted to save Maverick. Stover told officials he was walking his own dog Tuesday morning when he heard Maverick barking in distress after falling through the ice.

"Mr. Stover immediately got his kayak and went into the water to assist Maverick," the fire department said. "Rescuers observed (Stover) paddle to the opposite shore and safety exit the water after Maverick's rescue, however were not able to thank him immediately after the rescue was complete."

In addition to thanking Stover, fire officials also expressed gratitude to Lauren Hessling, another bystander who heard Maverick's barks for help and made the 911 call that sent rescuers to save the dog.

Fire officials said Maverick's family plans to bring him to the fire station to visit with the firefighter/paramedics that rescued him after he makes a full recovery.