Dog suffered trauma and frostbite

ENON, Ohio (WDTN) - A dog rescued from icy waters at George Rogers Clark Park, was in a state of trauma and suffered frostbite on all four paws.

Staff at the Humane Society of Clark County said she was now in the care of a vet.

They had named her the George Rogers Park dog.

Walkers at the park found her stranded in the middle of ice, on Tuesday afternoon. She was by a hole, where two of her canine companions had fallen through, and drowned.

Volunteer firefighters from several agencies showed up, not knowing if a person or another dog had fallen through the ice.

Firefigthers put on dry suits and attempted to walk on thin ice to get to the dog. The rescue attempt was called off when a firefighter fell through the ice, into the lake. He was able to get back to solid ground, with the help of a safety line.

Springfield township firefighters then used a boat, but as they got close to the dog, she panicked and fell through the ice. Firefighters were able to pull her on board, and get her into a blanket.

Humane society staff said, dogs are like people with their emotions. The dog had just witnessed her two friends drown and was in a state of shock.

She was laying quietly on a huge pillow in her crate, and appeared to be very mellow. Staff said she had not moved much, and they had her medicated to stop the pain of frostbite.

"She's real, real timid and scared," said James Straley, the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Clark County.

Staff said they were showering her with love, brushing her hair, and touching her a lot, and trying to earn her trust.

Staff said they were receiving many calls from concerned citizens, wanting to know how she was doing, and many who wanted to take her home.

Straley said they would adopt her out when they felt she was ready for a home.

"When she's better, and I can't put a time limit on it. We'll work with her and we'll try to get her to trust us, and get socialized so she can be around other people and other dogs," said Straley.

If you are interested in adopting the George Rogers Park dog, staff at the Humane Society of Clark County want to hear from you.

You can call them at (937) 399-2917. The shelter opens at noon on weekdays.