A dog breed usually known for its acumen in cold conditions had to be saved after falling into an ice-covered lake Friday.
Crews with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue came to the aid of Milo, a 130-pound St. Bernard, after he broke through the ice.
Milo’s family was tubing down a hill toward the lake when the dog followed them out onto the ice.
Two firefighters waded into the water wearing ice suits as the temperature dipped to 21 degrees and pulled the large dog to safety. But not before falling through the ice because of Milo’s weight.
"It was difficult getting that big dog up on the ice," Capt. Carlton G. Burkhammer told The Washington Post. "If you're in the water, in an ice suit, and you're trying to lift something that's 130 pounds above your head off the ice. That short amount of time in the water, our guys were exhausted."
Milo warmed up, and appears healthy and in no distress, according to rescuers.
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