Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good News

Video grab of firefighters in Michigan heroically rescuing a helpless dog trapped in an iced-over pond

Today’s good news comes from the Good News Network. Here is the story in its entirety.

Firefighter Lures Trapped Dog Off the Ice Using Treats–Then Lifts it Up a 10-Foot Wall

Patience, bribery, laughter, and a heck of a bicep muscle were all needed to rescue a helpless dog trapped after falling 10 feet into an ice-covered pool.

The Michigan animal shelter Pound Buddies received several “frantic” calls on March 7th about a dog trapped in the old water filtration pond.

The pond was frozen over, but with water clearly sloshing about over the ice, how long until the 60 lbs. husky plunged through was anyone’s guess.

Pound Buddies called in the Muskegon Heights Fire Department, which arrived “within minutes” to rescue the pup. Video footage shows the moment Lieutenant John Kriger climbs over the wall and gains the dog’s trust with a treat.

Kriger remained with his hand out, calling the dog by name for 3 minutes or so while his comrades jeered about making “no sudden movements.”

Finally, the timid dog came in for more of Lieutenant Kriger’s scratches, allowing him to reach the dog’s collar. Displaying remarkable strength, he grabbed the not-entirely-cooperative pooch under his right arm and slowly climbed up the ladder and over the wall to safety.

The pup was later checked out and found completely unharmed despite the 10ft fall into the pond.

Pound Buddies shared clips of the incident to their Facebook page, describing why they called in “the big dogs” and the moment the animal was rescued.

“The logistics of getting the dog appeared a bit challenging at first, but then the BIG DOG was called in!” they wrote. “Once again, words don’t seem adequate for expressing the gratitude we have for these amazing firefighters and the Muskegon Heights Fire Department! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

The entire unedited rescue video is available here on Yahoo News.

The good news here is that a response team considered a life to be a life and went about to save it. Today’s JohnKu talks about how precious life is. I hope you enjoy your weekend.

A Gift by John W. Howell © 2023

Ah, it’s just a dog,

Doesn’t recognize the fact. . .

All life is precious.

 

90 comments

  1. Darlene's avatar

    Bless them for saving this precious pup. A wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m a softie for stories of humans caring for animals. Thanks, Darlene.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Darlene's avatar

        Me too. 🐶

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Harmony Kent's avatar

    A lovely ‘tail’ for a Friday! Thanks for sharing the good news and happy vibes, John. Have a wonderful weekend 💕🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Harmony. The vibes are happy for sure. I hope you have a peaceful weekend. 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  3. GP's avatar

    There’s no such thing as ‘just a dog’!! Hats off to this fireman and to you John for posting this story!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, GP. I hoe you have a super weekend. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

      1. GP's avatar

        And you as well. Is this a trip on the bus this Sunday?

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          We will be going to the Greenbelt to view Bluebonnets and some storm damage.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. GP's avatar

          I’ll be there!!

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          I haven’t decided the menu yet but I’m sure it will be good. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

  4. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Wonderful post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Joan Hall's avatar

    This is amazing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I love how the fire department took this seriously. Thanks, Joan.

      Liked by 2 people

  6. Teri Polen's avatar

    Love this story. Bet his arm was sore the next day, lol.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think so. 60 pound press. Thanks, Teri.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Love animal rescues.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Staci Troilo's avatar

    Thank goodness for the Big Dog. So happy the husky was okay. Thanks for the story, John. Have a great weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Have a great weekend too, Staci.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Great story, John, that touches home, since my son is a firefighter here in Michigan. It’s the kind of thing they do regularly, part of their job.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Tell him thanks for all of us. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

        I will, John. He does a great job.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I’m certain he does.

          Liked by 1 person

  10. Gwen M. Plano's avatar

    Beautiful story and, yes, all life is precious. ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    What a great story. Thanks for sharing this, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I love these kinds of stories. Thanks, Jill.

      Like

  12. Tom's avatar

    Well I’ll be “dog gone”
    What a nice St. Patrick’s Day ☘️ story

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Warms even curmudgeon’s hearts. Thanks, Tom.

      Like

  13. Maggie's avatar

    That was quite a rescue. Hats off to Lt. Kriger! I could not have made it up that ladder.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I don’t think most of us could. Thanks, Maggie.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. noelleg44's avatar

    What a great ‘tail’! I hope the dog then found its owners!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Me too. Let’s just say they did.

      Like

  15. Dale's avatar

    That is a beautiful story, John. The dog must have been petrified going up that ladder. Kuddos to Lieutenant Krieger and his bulging biceps!
    Happy Friday to you!

    Like

  16. Debbie's avatar

    Great story, John — thanks for sharing it; great haiku as well! Happy weekend!

    Like

  17. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    Big smile after reading that story, John. The perfect response by that response team. Thanks for sharing this.

    Like

  18. John Hric's avatar

    It sure beats going up a tree after a cat. Glad everything worked despite the jibes from the peanut gallery.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Of course going up Twenty and down twenty have the same consequences on the reverse trip. Have three fingers and pay no attention to that last thought.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Heart proud moment!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Writer Lori's avatar

    Another fabulous feel good story to carry us into the weekend! Thx John…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you enjoyed it, Lori.

      Like

  21. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    So happy they could save this pup 🙂

    Like

  22. quiall's avatar

    All life is precious! And I’ll bet these firefighters appreciate these kinds of calls.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I suppose they do.

      Like

  23. Dan Antion's avatar

    Great story and an excellent poem, John. You’re right.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Resa's avatar

    Yes.. all life is precious! Thank you, John! OX OX OX OX

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You were so nice to share the post, Resa.
      🤗😘 🤗😘 🤗😘 🤗😘

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        My pleasure, dahling.
        I’m quite busy visiting several blogs a day, while I work at catching up over here. I’ll reblog a post every other day while I do so.
        I’m actually enjoying this phase. I can’t just not blog. I’d miss everyone, too much. That wouldn’t help me catch up either.
        Try this on for size! 😉🧐
        O24 O24 O24 O24

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I got it. How about this OXray-ray OXray-ray OXray-ray OXray-ray

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar

          OMG! Hmm… I’m stumped… but don’t tell me until I give up! 🐂💋🐂💋🐂💋🐂💋

          Like

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          Okay 🐂💋🐂💋🐂💋🐂💋

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Resa's avatar

          I got it! … from Lucy and Twiggy’s clue.
          🐂💋🐂💋🐂💋🐂💋

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          I knew you would. You were the one who came up with O24

          Liked by 1 person

        6. Resa's avatar

          Lol!
          There’s no end to hugs & kisses!

          Liked by 1 person

        7. John W. Howell's avatar

          It seems that way. If one is clever.

          Like

  25. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Oh, that poor dog seemed so scared. Hurray for the firefighter’s patience in rescuing her!

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Resa's avatar

    Reblogged this on Graffiti Lux Art & More and commented:
    Every Friday John posts a GOOD NEWS story. Gotta love this one about a white Husky named Ivy being rescued from an old water filtration pond. Need some good news? Check out John’s blog on Fridays!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much for sharing my post, Resa. XO XO XO XO

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        My pleasure! OX OX OX OX
        Beware! I’m sending an email today w/ Angel Sam.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I’ve been warned. OX OX OX OX

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar

          The OXen is on its way!

          Liked by 1 person

  27. Sorryless's avatar

    It’s heartening to know we have such good people in the world. Great choice for your Friday post, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks Marc. I felt the same way.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        I love your Friday stories.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Thank you, Marc.

          Liked by 1 person

  28. merrildsmith's avatar

    Good news indeed!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Merril. It is good news for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. merrildsmith's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  29. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    A heartwarming, feel-good post, John. So glad the pup was okay!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it all ended well. Thanks, Jan.

      Like

  30. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    It’s a great story to share, John. And your Johnku is splendid. Big hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teagan. Hugs

      Like

  31. D. Wallace Peach's avatar

    I love rescue stories of all kinds, John. Big Dog did a great job getting that big dog out of the pool. No easy task! Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is a great story. Thanks, Diana.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    As a dog lover, I love this story, John, along with “A Gift.” Thanks for sharing, and have a great weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Lauren. Have a great weekend as well.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. Jennie's avatar

    I am cheering Big Dog and the rescue. Thanks for sharing this story, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      My pleasure, Jeanie.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. circadianreflections's avatar

    Awww, that’s fantastic!! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I loved this story. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  35. Christy B's avatar

    Good news is what I want to hear more of, yes! Oh my heart was breaking for this dog, likely so scared… How wonderful that it was saved and uninjured. I’m thinking of our cats and how I try to protect them so they don’t get hurt. Have a nice Easter weekend, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Christy. I agree on how wonderful. Have a super Easter Weekend as well. 😁

      Liked by 1 person