Huntington Station NY
12-03-2024 6:57pm

Long Island Man Performs Heroic Rescue of Dog Trapped in Frozen Pond

Long Island Man Performs Heroic Rescue of Dog Trapped in Frozen Pond

A chilling but heartwarming scene unfolded on Sunday afternoon at Heckscher Park in Huntington, Long Island, when Anthony Marino, a 34-year-old local resident, risked his own safety to save a dog trapped in a partially frozen pond.

The golden retriever, named Max, had been playing off-leash when he wandered onto the thin ice. Witnesses reported hearing a loud crack before the dog plunged into the freezing water, about 20 feet from the shore. Max struggled to keep his head above water, his paws scraping helplessly against the slippery ice.

Anthony Marino was nearby, walking his German shepherd, Luna, when he noticed the commotion. A group of parkgoers had gathered by the pond, shouting for help but unsure how to act. “I could see the fear in Max’s eyes,” Marino later said. “I didn’t have time to think. I just knew I had to get to him.”

Marino quickly assessed the situation and acted decisively. Removing his coat, scarf, and shoes, he instructed bystanders to call 911. Then, lying flat on his stomach to distribute his weight, he crawled cautiously onto the ice. With each movement, the ice creaked ominously, but Marino pressed on, inching closer to the struggling dog.

About halfway to Max, Marino called out to the bystanders for a branch or anything sturdy to extend his reach. A woman handed him a long tree limb she had found nearby, which Marino used to prod the ice in front of him, testing its strength. Finally, he reached Max, who was whimpering and visibly exhausted.

Gripping the dog’s collar, Marino used the branch to push himself backward, dragging Max along the ice’s surface. Just as they neared the shore, a portion of the ice gave way, submerging Marino’s legs in the freezing water. Undeterred, he hoisted Max onto the solid ice and continued to pull him to safety.

The rescue lasted less than ten minutes, but for those watching, it felt like hours. As Marino and Max reached the shore, the crowd erupted in cheers. Several bystanders rushed forward with blankets to warm both the dog and his rescuer.

Among the onlookers was Dr. Sara Klein, a veterinarian from Huntington. She immediately assessed Max’s condition, confirming that the dog was cold and frightened but otherwise unharmed. “It’s remarkable,” Dr. Klein said. “If Mr. Marino hadn’t acted so quickly, this could have ended in tragedy.”

Moments later, Max’s owner, Emily Carter, arrived in tears after a frantic search. “Max slipped out of his leash earlier, and I’d been looking everywhere,” she explained. Seeing Marino holding her shivering dog, she broke down. “Anthony is an angel. He saved Max’s life.”

Marino, however, downplayed his heroism. “I’m just glad Max is okay,” he said modestly. “I’ve always loved animals, and I couldn’t stand by and watch him suffer.”

Local emergency responders arrived shortly after to ensure no one else was in danger and to issue a reminder about the dangers of thin ice. “This situation could have ended very differently,” said Captain Frank Rodriguez of the Huntington Fire Department. “We urge everyone to stay off frozen ponds unless they’re specifically designated for recreation.”

Since the incident, Marino has become a local hero. Social media posts praising his bravery have gone viral, and a local animal rescue organization, Long Island Paws, announced they plan to honor him at an upcoming fundraiser.

As for Max, he’s back home with Emily, receiving plenty of cuddles and extra treats. “This could have been the worst day of my life,” Emily said. “Instead, it turned into a reminder of how incredible people can be. I’ll never forget what Anthony did for us.”

In the end, the rescue wasn’t just about saving a dog—it was about showing the power of compassion and courage in a moment of crisis.

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