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Amidst the treacherous outdoor cold, staying indoors has been a priority for many. 

However, a pet owner’s worst nightmare recently struck local citizen Nancy Milliner, whose three-year-old Husky named Sapphire could be heard making distressing noises in the early afternoon hours of Tuesday, January 7th. 

“[My sister] saw the dog in the pond,” said Milliner. “We don’t know exactly how long she was even in there.” 

The incident, which occurred at a pond on Thompson Station Road, presented immediate threats due to the cold and icy conditions. 

After emergency services were called, Milliner struggled as she watched her pet in agony. 

“It was terrifying. She belonged to my thirteen-year old daughter…this is her first really bonded-with pet,” Milliner added. “It was very scary to think of how she was going to be able to cope with this if the dog passed away.” 

The Clark County Fire Department responded to the call at 12:14 p.m., with Chief Steve Asbury and Chief Will Jordan executing a rescue effort.

“We came down the road. We could see it, and [the dog] was obviously in a [difficult situation],” said Jordan. “We donned the equipment we have in my truck. Chief Asbury went out on the ice for the dog.” 

Estimating the water depth to be approximately eight feet, Jordan noted that Sapphire – who evidently had tried to get out independently – was unable to do so. 

Fortunately, CCFD’s response made a significant difference. 

In due time, despite Milliner stating that Sapphire had been submerged for at least thirty minutes and the dog being exhausted to the point of being unable to stand after exiting the water, she was rescued. 

“They didn’t hesitate,” Milliner added. “[She] was out at the center part of the pond [and] the ice was thinner there. It was very heartwarming to know that they cared that much.” 

Days later, Sapphire – whose age and breed also made a positive difference – is back to old form. 

“You would never know anything happened, other than eating up all the extra attention she got,” said Milliner, in gest. “We went to the vet, and everything was good.” 

While Clark County Fire Department regularly trains for inclement weather, the experience of Chief Jordan and Chief Asbury lended itself to more independent action. 

“We’ve done it many times, and that was one of the reasons we went on [and] initiated rescue with just us two,” Jordan added. “I…probably wouldn’t have sent any of my other guys in that situation without having a dry suit, but the dog wasn’t going to last…we made that decision that we were both comfortable with the risks…and that’s what we [needed] to do if we were going to save the dog.” 

Stating that most water rescues are of animals, particularly farm animals such as horses and cows, Jordan added that he hopes the successful rescue sends a positive message about Clark County Fire Department. 

“We have a lot of special disciplines that we do at Clark County [Fire Department] that most departments our size are not involved in,” he said. “It gives us that [advantage].”