A howling dog was dramatically rescued after falling into an icy lake.
The St Louis Fire Department launched a rescue mission after receiving a call about a canine stuck in the freezing-cold water as temperatures plunged to a bone-chilling low of just 9F on January 19.
Marine Rescue Task Force members were shown on video paddling through the ice-cold water and towards the stricken pup.
The dog was clinging to the ice to stay afloat, and as a rescuer paddled toward it he accidentally nudged its head with the raft.
'I gotcha bubba,' he said as he leaned over to pull the dog out by the scruff of its neck.
'You ok bub? Come on bub,' the responder said.
Once he got a strong grip on the dog, his colleague started to paddle the boat backwards and away from the ice.
The dog could be heard whimpering as it was hauled into the raft. It struggled to move in the boat appearing to be in shock.
The St Louis Fire Department launched a rescue mission after receiving a call about a canine stuck in the freezing-cold water
Temperatures plunged to a bone-chilling low of just 9F on January 19
The dog was clinging to the ice to stay afloat
'In the grip of single-digit temperatures, a dog wandered onto the ice and suddenly found itself in a life-threatening situation,' the fire department wrote on Facebook.
'The ice gave way, leaving the dog trapped in frigid water, unable to swim to safety as the cold quickly took its toll.
'Crews launched, navigated the frozen conditions, and reached the dog just in time, carefully pulling it from the icy water and bringing it to safety.
'We’re happy to report the dog is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery.'
The rescuers showed photos of the dog after the rescue wrapped in a towel as it warmed up.
Another showed the damp canine leashed on land, surrounded by firefighters.
'The photos that follow show a much better sight, a survivor, safe and recovering,' the department added.
Rescuers hauled the frozen dog into the raft before giving it pats on the belly
After the successful rescue mission, firefighters recovered the damp dog, and leashed it
The dog was wrapped up in a towel and is expected to make a full recovery
Hundreds of comments flooded the post, thanking the responders for saving the big pup.
'This had me so nervous even though I already knew he was safe. Thank you for saving him!' One user wrote.
'That's amazing, what a fantastic rescue by those heroes!' another said.
'Those snow dogs I tell ya! Thanks for saving that cutie.'
