MERIDIAN -- It was a close call for two dogs Friday afternoon after they fell into an icy pond in Meridian.
The dogs were believed to have been stuck for about two hours before they were rescued by a Good Samaritan.
It happened near Black Cat and Victory Roads on Bo Daniel Lane.
We don't know the identity of the Good Samaritan, but we know that man went into a freezing pond and pulled out two yellow labrador retrievers.
He tied a rope around his waist and others standing by held on.
Dr. Jeff Rosenthal with the Idaho Humane Society says the dogs were near hypothermia. Their limbs were stiff and if the two animals would have been in the water much longer, they would have likely succumbed to the cold.
"This case the dogs are luckily recovering well from their little icy ordeal. Luckily they are labrador retrievers and are resistant to the cold," said Rosenthal. "They are sort of enjoying themselves with the cuddling and bathing and drying, and they are actually have a good time now."
The dogs were taken to the Humane Society in Boise where they were given a warm bath and cared for by staff members.
A short time later, the owners claimed the dogs and they were headed home.
As for the Good Samaritan, what he did was brave but Rosenthal says he is lucky to be safe.
If you see an animal in this situation, the best bet is to call the fire department because they are trained in water rescue.
Rosenthal says he sees too many pets in the cold this time of year, and he adds the cold weather is hard on animals too.
He encourages people to bring their pets in for the night if they can. If not, make sure their water is warm.
If you have livestock -- be sure to put a water heater in the tank.
