Video shows man rescuing two dogs from frigid lake: 'We had to get them'
Dogs just want to have fun.
Cold temperatures did not stop two dogs in Colorado from fetching two tennis balls that sat perfectly on top of a lake.
The dogs, Sonic and Yobo, are experienced swimmers and visit Coot Lake in Boulder at least three times a week with their owner, Arnie Weil told KDVR-TV.
On Dec. 5, a video shows Weil jumping in the lake to rescue his two dogs.
“Sonic walked off first fell in and Yobo followed him, fell in,” Weil told the news outlet. “I saw him scratching at the ice and I’m like okay they're not going to get up.”
Without hesitating, Weil jumped into the water to save his dogs, the video shows.
Watch Colorado man save two dogs in cold lake
“Took my shoes off, threw my phone out and tried to belly slide across the water,” he said.
On the shore, Shayna Weil recorded the dramatic encounter anticipating that the trio would make it back to land safely.
“I think it was kind of like an emergency situation where we had to get them,” she told the news outlet.
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Tips to keep your dog safe while swimming
All dogs, big or small, tend to take a dip in the water no matter the temperature. Although the water may be a fun way for your pooch to exercise, the water may have some dangers lurking beneath it.
Here are some tips from online veterinarian service Vetster to remember when taking your four-legged friend for a swim:
Pet-friendly location: Before taking your dog to swim in an area, make sure that pets are allowed.
Purchase safety gear: Even though swimming comes naturally to canines, it is important to buy a life jacket or flotation device that fits your dog properly. These devices will add another layer of security for your pup while they are in the water.
Check the weather before you go: Always make sure that the weather, water temperatures, flow rates and tides are okay before you let your dog swim in the water.
Water breaks are necessary: Make sure to keep a water bottle handy for your four-legged companion. Remember, swimming is an exercise, and they will need to stay hydrated and rest.
Make sure your dog is healthy: Before taking your dog swimming, take it to the vet for a checkup. Dogs that have pre-existing health conditions may want to avoid swimming altogether.
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, food recalls, health, lottery, and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads, and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Video shows man rescuing two dogs from frigid Boulder, Colorado lake
