Father Risks Life to Save Dog from Frozen Lake in Massachusetts
In a heart-stopping moment on January 12, 2025, in Massachusetts, a father of three risked his life to save his 8-year-old Cockapoo, Tommy, from a frozen lake. The rescue, captured by CBS News, highlights the extraordinary bond between humans and their pets.
What began as a routine walk quickly escalated when Tommy chased a flock of birds onto the ice and fell into the freezing water. Ed Berger, Tommy’s owner, immediately sprang into action, grabbing a nearby boat in an effort to rescue his beloved companion.

Staying Calm Amid Chaos
"I did a few things right and a few things wrong," Berger said, reflecting on the incident. "The first thing I knew I had to do was control my breathing and not panic." Despite his best efforts, Berger himself fell into the icy lake, creating a dire situation for both man and dog.
Firefighters and Police to the Rescue
After 15 minutes of being trapped in the freezing water, help arrived. Firefighters and police officers worked quickly to pull Berger and Tommy to safety.
"The fact that they took care of both me and Tommy is just incredible. I am deeply grateful," Berger said, expressing his appreciation for the emergency responders who ensured their survival.
A Traumatic Yet Uniting Experience
The harrowing ordeal left an indelible mark on Berger, who reflected on the bond between pet owners and their animals. "It was a traumatic experience, but I think anyone who has a pet would have done the same thing," he concluded.