Emerson-Franklin emergency crews were called upon to make a water rescue on the Roseau River on Sunday. A dog and its owner were near the river when the canine took off and chased after some geese that were on the ice.

According to Dominion City Fire Chief Barry Gushuliak, the dog fell through the ice and began to struggle in the frigid water. "The owner's wife saw what was happening and grabbed her kayak and went after the dog," said Gushuliak. "She's a pretty good kayaker and was brave enough to run out there, breaking through the ice until she got to the open water and got into the kayak and grabbed the dog and kept it from drowning until we got there."

Gushuliak says they were able to quickly get their Zodiak out to the location. "Three of our guys went out there with wet suits and a boat and as they were breaking through they were hanging onto the Zodiak and just pulling themselves along. They kept breaking through and the water was deep but they managed to break enough ice to get to the lady and her dog. They put the dog in the boat and then they pulled her in. It was a very happy ending."

The water on the Roseau River is beginning to flow along the middle and the ice leading up to the shores has become weak and is breaking up. Gushuliak says his guys could feel the strength of the current, but they still managed to get the dog and the woman off the river.

Gushuliak admits the situation could have taken a bad turn at any time. "I'm glad we had a water rescue boat in town. Makes it all worthwhile."