MAX, N.D.-
Brutus’ family is happy and thankful he’s home after two men found a boat to rescue him from drowning in an icy pond as bystanders cheered and shouted for him to hang on.
“What a terrific thing that has happened,” said the dog’s owner, Jody Gullickson. “As we give thanks on Thursday, it will truly be a day of Thanksgiving and remembrance of all the kind, caring people who assisted Brutus.”
Gullickson said her 7-year-old Keeshound-Samoyed cross escaped through the gate of a 7-foot-high fence surrounding his home in Max while the Gullicksons were gone last week.
A passerby on east side of U.S. Highway 83 in Max saw Brutus struggling in a frozen pond late Friday afternoon. Emergency workers were called, and others pulled off the highway or came from the city to shout encouragement.
Bill Johnson of Max and Greg Johnson of Minot spotted a small fishing boat across the highway from the pond. They grabbed it and soon were inching across the ice toward the dog, to the cheers of those watching.
Bill Johnson managed to slip a rope over Brutus’ neck and drag the exhausted dog across the ice to safety. Spectators tossed coats and jackets in which to wrap Brutus, and he was rushed to the Garrison Veterinary Clinic.
“That dog was near comatose from the cold. He didn’t even register a temperature,” said veterinary technician Kathy Baber. “He was still breathing, so we thought we had a chance. He was in shock and suffering from hypothermia for nearly three hours. Then his body temperature began creeping up.”
On Saturday morning, Gullickson got a call saying Brutus was ready to come home as soon as he ate something.
“What a relief that was to hear,” Gullickson said. “Everyone made a difference in a life or death situation and we are very thankful.”
On Monday, the veterinary clinic still had a large collection of unclaimed jackets, and a number of people had called to check on Brutus.
“The people who pulled him out–all the coats and jackets, and all the people who called to see how he is,” Baber said, “that makes you feel good to know they care.”
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Information from: Minot Daily News,
