Dog rescued after falling into icy pond

BURRILLVILLE, R.I. (WPRI) - A black labrador is lucky to be alive after plunging through the ice in Burrillville, falling helplessly into the frigid water.

A neighbor living in the area of Barnes Road heard the dog's cries for help while getting his mail on Thursday afternoon.

The man followed the sound of the dog's yelps and found the pup about 200 feet out in the pond, clinging on for dear life.

• Photos: Rescuers pull dog from icy pond

The dog apparently fell through the 2 inch thick ice while walking on the pond.

Firefighters responded to the scene in wet suits and used a personal floatation device to safely reach the dog.

Once near the dog, a rescuer wrapped his arms around him and brought him back to dry land.

The dog was taken to the Burrillville animal shelter and evaluated for hypothermia.