Andrea Rosebrock 
Duke, a 16-month-old 118-lb St. Bernard is safe and warm today thanks to the heroic efforts of firefighters from Billings Fire Department. Duke decided to take an adventurous romp by slipping out of his back gate last Thursday night his owner, Gene Larson, believes. After hunting for him that night, the family finally went to bed, hoping their big baby would be back in the morning.
Well, Duke was found Friday morning, but not at home. About 9 am a worker at a nearby golf club spotted Duke sitting on the ice of a golf course pond. Rescuers believe that Duke’s adventure took him wandering onto the ice where he broke through. He was able to get himself out of the water but once he sat down on the ice, he was stuck, froze to the ice by his wet fur. The poor pooch sat there much of the night.
In come the firefighters who donned dry suits, equipped with tools and and an ice rescue sled. They broke the dog free of the ice got him on the sled and back to land. He was quickly identified by collar and tags and taken to Big Sky Pet Center where he was thawed out and warmed up with a blow dryer.
Lawson, who had been looking for Duke was contacted and reunited with the prodigal pooch. “He’s my little buddy,” Larson said, before correcting himself. “He’s my big buddy.”
That is one lucky dog and what wonderfully heroic firemen! To them, the rescue wasn’t about “just a dog” but about a living creature in dire straits who needed their help. They risked their lives to save Duke and there is no doubt that the Larsons are extremely grateful and hopefully this will teach Duke to end his wandering ways.
Big Kudos to the heroic folks at the Billings Fire Department!!
I am so glad to see there are people out there who will risk their own lives for the life of one of our four legged babies. Great work to the Billings Fire Dept! As for Duke, my dear pup, the grass in not greener on the other side of the fence. I am so happy he was reunited with his loving owner, Mr. Larson. I hope Duke has learned from his experience; the poor baby, being stuck on the ice all night long.
What a BEAUTIFUL BOY! *sigh* Love at first sight!
OH HECK! I DON’T THINK HE’LL BE SNEAKING OUT AGAIN!!!
CHEERS TO THE FIREMEN
I agree AIR great looking puppydog you can tell that they really take good care of him ……..
Deanna,
As you well know, I love this story. Thanks for posting it. Silly Duke. Your a lucky pup! Glad he wasn’t injured and this has such a happy ending for Duke and his human family. WTG Billings Fire Department. I have heard of fireman heroes and this is a wonderful example of that!