Police Save Dog From Drowning After Plunge Through Ice-This Day in Norwood History-January 6, 1949

Police, Firemen Join Forces To Rescue Struggling German Shepherd At Dunn’s

Near exhaustion from struggling in three feet of icy water after he plunged through thin ice while crossing Dunn’s Pond off Nahatan street, a gray and brown German shepherd dog was rescued from drowning by police and firemen on Sunday morning as dozens of churchgoers looked on.

First news of the dog’s plight was relayed to the fire station by two boys who saw him struggling in the water and rushed to the Are station for assistance. Meanwhile, someone called the police station and Patrolman James Murphy was sent to the scene in a cruiser car. Unable to reach the struggling dog, Murphy radioed for the assistance of the fire department.

Fire Chief Alonzo N Earle and Firemen Bertram Sparrow, Leo Storme, and John Howard went to the pond with a ladder truck. Placing a ladder on the pond, firemen edged their way to the gaping hole in the ice in which the dog was struggling frantically Finally fireman John Howard reached the end of the ladder and stepped into the frigid water. The dog. which weighed about 75 pounds, was grabbed by Howard who passed him to Patrolman Murphy who was waiting with a blanket.

Shivering and whimpering with cold and trembling from exhaustion, the dog was identified as “Pal,” owned by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Sack of 34 Lenox street. Taken home, the dog was greeted with delight by little Jean Sack, 3. he being her special pet. Given a hot drink and wrapped in blankets, “Pal” was placed behind a hot stove to thaw out. In a few hours he was reported to be none the worse for his experience.

1949 Police Photo Of Rescued Dog Prompts Reunion-This Day in Norwood History-July 20, 2014